Hong Kong Customs yesterday (December 6) detected two cross-boundary drug trafficking cases through passenger channel at Hong Kong International Airport and seized a total of about 24 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $30 million.

     Two 25-year-old male passengers arrived in Hong Kong on the same flight from Johannesburg, South Africa yesterday morning. During Customs clearance, 12kg of suspected cocaine were found inside their check-in baggage respectively. They were then arrested.

     The two arrested men have each been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. They will appear at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts next Monday (December 9).

     With the Christmas and New Year holidays approaching, there is a possibility that drug syndicates need to traffick in dangerous drugs urgently in order to meet the keen demand during long holidays. Customs will further step up enforcement action to combat transnational drug trafficking activities before the long holidays.

     Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

     Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

Ends/Saturday, December 7, 2019
Issued at HKT 17:44

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