Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected heroin worth about $12 million (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs on October 18 seized about 13.5 kilograms of suspected heroin with an estimated market value of about $12 million at the Tsing Yi Customs Cargo Examination Compound.
      
     Through risk assessment, Customs on that day inspected a seaborne consignment, declared as carrying groceries and arriving in Hong Kong from Thailand, at the Tsing Yi Customs Cargo Examination Compound. Upon inspection, the batch of suspected heroin was found inside 12 carton boxes.
      
     After a follow-up investigation and a controlled delivery operation, Customs officers on the same day arrested two local men and one woman aged between 36 and 55 in Kwai Chung and Kowloon City, who were suspected to be connected with the case.
      
     An investigation is ongoing. The three arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation.
      
     Customs will continue to enhance enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department 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.
      
     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) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).