Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cocaine and suspected methamphetamine worth about $164 million (with photos)

Hong Kong Customs seized about 145 kilograms of suspected cocaine and about 20kg of suspected methamphetamine with a total estimated market value of about $164 million at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) on November 18 and 19.

Through risk assessment, Customs officers on November 18 inspected an air cargo consignment, declared as carrying electric transformers, arriving from Guatemala en route to Australia via Hong Kong. The batch of suspected cocaine, with an estimated market value of about $147.5 million, was found concealed inside the false compartment of a large electric transformer. After follow-up investigation, Customs officers on the same day arrested a 34-year-old man and a 43-year-old man, both suspected to be in connection with the case, at HKIA and in Kwai Chung respectively.

On the next day, Customs officers inspected an air cargo consignment, declared as carrying circuit testers, arriving from Mexico en route to Australia via Hong Kong. The batch of suspected methamphetamine, with an estimated market value of about $16.5 million, was found concealed inside the false compartment of a metal device. After follow-up investigation, Customs officers arrested a 51-year-old man suspected to be in connection with the case in Tsuen Wan on November 22.

Investigations of the above-mentioned two cases are ongoing. The three arrested men have been released after investigation.

Customs reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. 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).