Hong Kong Customs yesterday (December 21) detected a cross-boundary drug trafficking case through the cargo channel and seized about 5.3 kilograms of suspected heroin with an estimated market value of about $8 million at Hong Kong International Airport.

     Customs officers yesterday inspected an air transshipment cargo arriving from Afghanistan en route to Australia via Hong Kong. After an initial check with advanced examination equipment, the batch of suspected heroin was found concealed in three pieces of metal parts, 21 sets of water filters and 24 golf balls.

     Investigation is ongoing.

     Customs will continue to combat cross-boundary drug trafficking activities through cargo channels at the airport through strategies of risk-profiling and intelligence analysis.

     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/Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Issued at HKT 16:30

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