Hong Kong Customs yesterday (March 21) detected two drug trafficking cases involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport and seized a total of about 20 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with a total estimated market value of about $4.6 million. A man and a woman were arrested.

     Yesterday, Customs intercepted a 18-year-old male passenger and a 42-year-old female passenger, both arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, at the airport. During customs clearance, about 10kg of suspected cannabis buds were found in each of their checked-in luggage. The duo were subsequently arrested.

     The two arrested persons have been each charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. Their cases will be brought up at the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (March 23).

     Following the increasing number of visitors to Hong Kong, Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

     With Easter holidays approaching, Customs believes that the local demand for drugs will increase. The department will therefore further step up enforcement action to fiercely combat different kinds of dangerous drug trafficking activities during the long holidays. Customs again reminds the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. 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/Friday, March 22, 2024
Issued at HKT 20:50

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