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Hong Kong Customs seized about 3.8 kilogrammes of suspected cocaine worth about $4,400,000 at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (September 30) and arrested an incoming female passenger.
The woman arrived at Hong Kong from Recife, Brazil via Sao Paulo, Brazil and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers emptied her check-in suitcase but found it remained exceptionally heavy. In-depth examination led to the discovery of three slabs of suspected cocaine 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 arrested person, aged 23 and claimed to be a salesperson, will be charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. She will appear at Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Court tomorrow (October 2).
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.
Ends/Thursday, October 1, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:40
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