Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected methamphetamine worth about $16 million at airport (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs on June 12 seized about 24 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine with an estimated market value of about $16 million at Hong Kong International Airport. 

     Through risk assessment, Customs officers on that day inspected an air consignment that had arrived in Hong Kong from Mexico and found the batch of suspected methamphetamine concealed inside eight radiators. A 45-year-old male truck driver suspected to be connected with the case was arrested at the scene. After investigation, the arrested man has been released on bail pending further investigation.

     After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers yesterday (June 13) further arrested a 17-year-old young woman suspected to be connected with the case in Tuen Mun.  

     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 will not be caught.

     Customs will continue to step up enforcement actions against drug trafficking activities through air cargo, postal parcel and express courier channels, as well as maintain close contact with Hongkong Post and the logistics industries, with a view to intercepting the inflow of drugs to Hong Kong.

     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).