Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected mitragynine worth about $39 million

Hong kong customs seizes $39 million worth of suspected mitragynine in massive drug bust at kwai chung customhouse - investigation underway

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (June 26) seized about 14.5 tonnes of suspected mitragynine with an estimated market value of about $39 million at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound.

Through risk assessment, Customs yesterday selected for inspection a 20-foot seaborne container, declared as carrying mitragyna speciosa and arriving from Indonesia en route to America via Hong Kong. Upon examination, Customs officers found 580 carton boxes containing green powders suspected to be mitragynine inside the container. The powders were packed in transparent plastic bags of different sizes.

An investigation is ongoing.

Mitragynine is the major compound available in a plant known as mitragyna speciosa (also known as kratom). If mitragynine is abused, it may cause health effects including nausea, constipation, increased urination, loss of appetite, seizures, hallucinations and withdrawal symptoms.

Customs reminds importers, exporters and the logistics industry that importation of dangerous drugs requires an import licence and import certificate issued by the Department of Health. A valid export authorisation or diversion certificate from the exporting country will also be required. Transshipment of dangerous drugs also requires a removal licence issued by the Department of Health.

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/).

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected mitragynine worth about $39 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected mitragynine worth about $39 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected mitragynine worth about $39 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Focus hong kong showcases vibrant film industry at bfi southbank in london with selection of hong kong films, emphasizing creativity and innovation

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) has partnered with Focus Hong Kong to showcase a selection of Hong Kong films at the British Film Institute (BFI) Southbank, London, United Kingdom, June 27 to 30 (London time).

Addressing the audience before the screening of "In Broad Daylight" on June 28, the Director-General of the London ETO, Mr Gilford Law, highlighted Hong Kong's vision of developing into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchanges as underpinned by the National 14th Five-Year Plan.

"Hong Kong has one of the largest and most dynamic film and entertainment industries in the world. The creativity exhibited by our directors and artists in exploring diverse themes and presenting impactful stories underscores Hong Kong's open and progressive environment, making it a beacon for creativity and innovation," he said.

The Focus Hong Kong summer offerings presented four films at the BFI, namely "The Wild, Wild Rose (4K Restored Version)", "In Broad Daylight", "The Sword (2KRestored Version)" and "Winter Chants". An online Q&A session with Director Tsang Tsui-shan of "Winter Chants" will be held after the screening on June 30 (London time).

Hong Kong films shine at British Film Institute in London Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong films shine at British Film Institute in London Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong films shine at British Film Institute in London Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong films shine at British Film Institute in London Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong films shine at British Film Institute in London Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases