Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected dangerous drugs and suspected phenacetin (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (December 1) in Sham Shui Po seized about 1 kilogram of suspected crack cocaine, about 500 grams of suspected cocaine and about 900g of suspected phenacetin (a Part 1 poison), with an estimated market value of about $3.8 million.

     During an anti-narcotics operation conducted in Sham Shui Po last night, Customs officers intercepted a 20-year-old man and found about 200g of suspected crack cocaine inside a plastic bag carried by him. He was then arrested. 

     After follow-up investigation, Customs officers escorted the arrested man to a residential premises in the district where about 800g of suspected crack cocaine, about 500g of suspected cocaine, about 900g of suspected phenacetin as well as a batch of drug manufacturing and packaging paraphernalia were further seized. Another 23-year-old man suspected to be involved in the case was arrested.

     An investigation is ongoing.

     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.

     Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, any person who possesses any poison included in Part 1 of the Poisons List other than in accordance with provisions commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for two years.

     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).