Hong Kong Customs detects two passenger drug trafficking cases in same flight (with photos)
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Two male passengers arrived in Hong Kong on the same flight from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia yesterday. During customs clearance, about 3.2kg of suspected cocaine were found concealed inside the false compartment of a checked-in suitcase of the first male passenger.
As well, Customs officers suspected the second male passenger to have dangerous drugs concealed inside his body cavity. He was escorted to hospital for examination and later discharged about 800 grams of suspected cocaine.
The two persons connected with the cases were arrested and have each been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. They will appear at Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (January 4).
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance. The department will also further step up enforcement actions before the Chinese New Year holiday with a view to combat transnational drug trafficking activities effectively.
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/Friday, January 3, 2020
Issued at HKT 21:53
Issued at HKT 21:53
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