Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected heroin worth about $10 million (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs seized about 7 kilograms of suspected heroin with an estimated market value of about $10 million at Hong Kong International Airport on December 9.

     Customs officers on that day inspected two air parcels that had arrived in Hong Kong from Malaysia. A total of 30 drink powder packages were found, among which 14 were found to be concealing the batch of suspected heroin.

     Upon follow-up investigation, Customs officers yesterday (December 10) arrested a 19-year-old man suspected to be in connection with the case in Tuen Mun.

     The arrested man has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and will appear at Shatin Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (December 12).

     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.

     Customs also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary returns. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people, nor to release their personal data or home address to others for receiving parcels or goods.

     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).