Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cocaine (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs seized a total of about 3.2 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $4.2 million at Hong Kong International Airport and Kwun Tong on August 31 and September 3 respectively.

     Customs officers inspected an air express parcel arriving in Hong Kong from Argentina at Hong Kong International Airport on August 31 and found about 3.2kg of suspected cocaine concealed inside a spare part.

     After follow-up investigation, Customs officers arrested a 21-year-old woman and a 35-year-old man in Kwun Tong suspected to be in connection with the case on September 3. Customs officers further seized about 65 grams of suspected cocaine at the woman's residential premises in the district.

     The arrested woman has been charged with two counts of trafficking in a dangerous drug and will appear at Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (September 6). The arrested man has been released on bail pending further investigation.

     Customs will maintain close contact with Hongkong Post and the logistics industries to step up action against drug trafficking through postal parcel or express courier channels.

     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).