Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds worth about $16 million (with photo)

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     �Hong Kong Customs seized about 77 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds, with an estimated market value of about $16 million, at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound on May 9.

     Through risk assessment, Customs on that day inspected a seaborne container, declared as carrying assorted foodstuffs and arriving in Hong Kong from Thailand, at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds concealed inside instant noodles and cornflakes packages.

     After a follow-up investigation and a controlled delivery operation, Customs officers on May 14 arrested a foreign male consignee, aged 32, in Prince Edward. Two local male truck drivers, aged 42 and 49, were further arrested in North Point yesterday (May 15).

     The two arrested local men have been released on bail pending further investigation. The arrested foreign man has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. He will appear at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (May 17).

     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. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people, nor to release their personal data or home address to others for receiving parcels or goods.

     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/Thursday, May 16, 2024
Issued at HKT 16:25

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Hong Kong Customs on May 9 seized about 77 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds, with an estimated market value of about $16 million, at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound. Photo shows the suspected cannabis buds seized.