Hong Kong Customs detects two dangerous drugs cases and seizes suspected cannabis buds worth about $7.7 million (with photos)

     Hong Kong Customs detected two dangerous drugs cases in Yau Tong and Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (September 12) and seized a total of about 27 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $7.7 million. Three persons suspected to be connected with the case were arrested.
      
     In the first case, through intelligence analysis and in-depth investigation, Customs targeted a man who was suspected of controlling two drug storage centres in Yau Tong and arrested him in Lok Ma Chau yesterday afternoon. Customs officers then escorted the man to two mini-storage centres in Yau Tong for a search and found about 11kg of suspected cannabis buds and a batch of drug packaging paraphernalia in each of the mini-storage centres. A total of 22kg of suspected cannabis buds were seized in the operation. The arrested man, aged 32 and claiming to be a driver, has been charged with two counts of trafficking in a dangerous drug. He will appear at the Shatin Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (September 14).
      
     In the second case, acting on intelligence exchange with an overseas law enforcement agency, Customs yesterday targeted and inspected an air parcel, declared as carrying car gearbox parts and arriving in Hong Kong from Thailand. About 5kg of suspected cannabis buds were found concealed therein. Later on, Customs officers today (September 13) mounted controlled delivery operations in Kowloon Bay and arrested a 41-year-old woman and a 17-year-old man, who claimed to be a clerk and a student respectively. An investigation is ongoing.
      
     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.
      
     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).