Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds worth about $3.8 million (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (September 27) detected one dangerous drugs case at Hong Kong International Airport and seized a total of about 14 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds, with a total estimated market value of about $3.8 million.

     Through risk assessment, Customs yesterday inspected a batch of air cargo consignment, declared as carrying vegetables and fruits, arriving in Hong Kong from Thailand. Upon inspection, among 53 carton boxes of goods, 2 were found containing dried seafood and mingled with the batch of suspected cannabis buds. A 58-year-old male consignee, who was suspected to be connected with the case, was subsequently arrested.

     After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers yesterday mounted a controlled delivery operation in Kowloon City, and arrested a 43-year-old female, suspected to be connected with the case.

     An investigation is ongoing. The likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.

     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 in and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

     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).