Hong Kong Customs detected two drug trafficking cases yesterday (September 22) at Tsuen Wan and Hong Kong International Airport. About 4 kilograms of suspected ketamine and 940 grams of suspected cocaine with a total estimated market value of about $3 million were seized.

     In the first case, Customs officers intercepted a man during an anti-narcotics operation conducted in Tsuen Wan yesterday and found a small amount of suspected ketamine on him. The 27-year-old man was arrested subsequently. Customs officers later escorted him to a residential premises nearby for a search and further seized about 4kg of suspected ketamine and a batch of drug packaging paraphernalia therein. The arrested man has been charged with one count of possession of a dangerous drug and one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, and will appear at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts on Monday (September 25).

     In the second case, a 51-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong yesterday from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. During customs clearance, about 940g of suspected cocaine were found concealed in two health supplements packaging in his checked-in luggage. The man was subsequently arrested. An investigation is ongoing.

     Customs will continue to enhance enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary returns. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong.

     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) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).

Ends/Saturday, September 23, 2023
Issued at HKT 16:45

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