Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cocaine (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs seized about 2.1 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $2.2 million at Hong Kong International Airport on March 3.

     A male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Johannesburg, South Africa, at night on March 3. During Customs clearance, two slabs of suspected cocaine were found concealed inside the false compartment of a briefcase inside his suitcase. The man was then arrested.

     The arrested man, aged 72, has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. He will appear at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (March 6).

     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).