Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cocaine (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (June 30) seized about 440 grams of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $500,000 at Hong Kong International Airport.

     A female passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Johannesburg, South Africa yesterday. During customs clearance, a packet of suspected cocaine was found on her. She was then arrested.

     Subsequently, the woman was escorted to hospital for examination and she further discharged a batch of suspected cocaine.

     The arrested woman, aged 28, has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (July 2).

     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.

     Member 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).