Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cocaine (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (February 9) seized about 4.6 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $5.5 million at Hong Kong International Airport .

     A male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Sao Paulo, Brazil via Doha, Qatar yesterday afternoon. During Customs clearance, the batch of suspected cocaine was found concealed inside the false compartment of his suitcase. The man was then arrested.

     The arrested man, aged 20, has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. He will appear at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (February 11).

     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 the Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).