Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected methamphetamine worth about $19 million (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs conducted an anti-narcotics operation in Causeway Bay yesterday (January 14), seizing about 31.5 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine, about 2.5kg of suspected liquid methamphetamine, and a batch of drug packaging paraphernalia, with a total estimated market value of about $19 million. One person suspected to be connected with the case was arrested.

     During an anti-narcotics operation conducted in Causeway Bay earlier, Customs targeted a woman who was suspected of controlling a drug storage centre located in the same district. Yesterday, Customs officers searched the drug storage centre and found the batch of suspected methamphetamine and suspected liquid methamphetamine, as well as the batch of drug packaging paraphernalia, with a total estimated market value of about $19 million. The woman was immediately arrested at the scene. The arrested woman, aged 34, who claimed to be a tattooist, has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. She will appear at the Eastern Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (January 16).

     With the Chinese New Year holidays approaching, Customs believes that the local demand for drugs will increase. The department will therefore further step up enforcement action to vigorously combat different kinds of dangerous drug trafficking activities before the long holidays.

     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 report hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).