Hong Kong Customs detects two passenger drug trafficking cases at airport (with photos)

     Hong Kong Customs detected two passenger drug trafficking cases at Hong Kong International Airport and seized a total of about 470 grams of suspected liquid cocaine and about 7.5 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $8.5 million in total on March 7 and today (March 9).

     A 35-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia via Manila, Philippines on March 7. During customs clearance, about 4.4kg of suspected cocaine was found concealed inside the cosmetic products, antiperspirants, pens, books and hair clippers in his hand-carried suitcase. About 470g of suspected liquid cocaine was also found concealed inside some cosmetic products in the suitcase. The man was then arrested.

     Also, a 48-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Brussels, Belgium today. During customs clearance, about 3.1kg of suspected cocaine was found concealed inside the false compartment of his check-in suitcase. He was then arrested.

     The 35-year-old arrested man has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at Shatin Magistrates' Courts on March 11. Investigation of the case of trafficking in suspected cocaine effected today is still ongoing.

     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.

     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).