********************************************************
Hong Kong Customs officers yesterday (July 26) arrested a male passenger arriving from São Paulo, Brazil in transit Dubai, United Arab Emirates at the Arrival Hall of Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 1 560 grammes of cocaine with an estimated market value of $1.5 million.
The drugs were concealed in the false compartments of the arrestee's hand-carried suitcase.
The man, 59-year-old, claimed to be a messenger. He was charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and will appear at the Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (July 28).
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is up to life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.
Ends/Sunday, July 27, 2014
Issued at HKT 20:15
NNNN