Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected ketamine worth about $4.3 million (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs seized about 10 kilograms of suspected ketamine with an estimated market value of about $4.3 million at Hong Kong International Airport on May 2.

     Customs officers on that day inspected an express air consignment, declared to be carrying digital watches, arriving in Hong Kong from Spain. The batch of suspected ketamine was found concealed inside six bags of dog food packed in two boxes of goods. 

     Upon follow-up investigation, Customs officers yesterday (May 3) arrested a 17-year-old man suspected to be connected with the case in Lai Chi Kok. 

     An investigation is ongoing.

     Customs reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. 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.

     Young people should especially pay attention to the fact that drug trafficking is a serious criminal offence. Criminal conviction will result in grave repercussions for their future and they should not take risks in the hope that they may not be caught.

     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).