Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected ketamine inside air parcel (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs seized about 5 kilograms of suspected ketamine with an estimated market value of about $2.5 million at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) on August 14. 

     Customs officers on that day inspected an air parcel that had arrived in Hong Kong from the United Kingdom, declared as carrying clothes, at HKIA and found the batch of suspected ketamine concealed inside the false compartments of ten carton boxes.  

     After follow-up investigation, Customs officers today (August 21) arrested a 15-year-old man suspected to be in connection with the case in To Kwa Wan. 

     The arrested man has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. He will appear at the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (August 22).

     Customs will continue to maintain close contact with Hongkong Post and the logistics industries to step up action against drug trafficking through postal parcels 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).