Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cocaine (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs today (March 12) seized about 4 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $4.2 million at Hong Kong International Airport.

     A male passengers arrived in Hong Kong from Dubai, the United of Arab Emirates today. During customs clearance, the batch of suspected cocaine was found concealed inside the false compartment of his hand-carried suitcases and briefcase. He was then arrested.

     The arrested man, aged 70, has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (March 13). 

     Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment strategy to select inbound, outbound and transit passengers for clearance to intercept different kinds of drug trafficking activities.

     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).