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Hong Kong Customs arrested an incoming male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (July 6) and seized about 1.6 kilogrammes of suspected cocaine worth about $1.83 million.
The male passenger arrived at Hong Kong from Johannesburg, South Africa via Dubai, United Arab Emirates yesterday. After emptying his suitcase for baggage examination, Customs officers found the suitcase still abnormally heavy and this aroused their suspicion. An X-ray check showed a suspicious image in the suitcase. Subsequent in-depth inspection revealed that suspected cocaine was concealed inside the false compartment of the suitcase. It is believed that drug traffickers tried to use this concealment method to evade Customs detection.
The 42-year-old arrestee, who claimed to be unemployed, will be charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. He will appear at Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (July 8).
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking is a serious offence and the maximum penalty is life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.
Ends/Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:47
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