Hong kong customs seizes $6.8 million worth of methamphetamine in joint operation with australian authorities, arrests made in drug trafficking bust
Hong Kong Customs mounted a joint operation with the Australian Border Force and the Australian Federal Police against drug trafficking activities by air consignments in June. During the operation, the authorities of the two places intercepted four air consignments that were used to conceal a total of about 13.5 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine and about 6kg of suspected cocaine. Of the total seizure, about 12.5kg of suspected methamphetamine with an estimated market value of about $6.8 million was seized by Hong Kong Customs.
After a follow-up investigation, Hong Kong Customs searched a commercial building unit in Tsim Sha Tsui on June 23. About 500 grams of suspected liquid methamphetamine, a large batch of drug packaging paraphernalia, and materials suspected to be used to produce themoulds used for drug concealment were seized there. A 27-year-old man was also arrested.
The arrested man who declared to be unemployed has been charged with three counts of trafficking in a dangerous drug.
The Australian law enforcement officers then swiftly arrested a 17-year-old man suspected to be connected with the case in Perth, Australia, on June 25.
Customs will continue to fiercely combat cross-boundary drug trafficking activities through proactive risk management and intelligence-based enforcement strategies, close co-operation with Mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies, as well as strengthened mutual intelligence exchanges. Under the Dangerous Drug 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 teams up with Australian Border Force and Australian Federal Police to curb international drug trafficking activities Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong kong customs commissioner inspects passing-out parade for new customs officers, demonstrates commitment to world customs organization vice-chairperson role
The Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Ms Louise Ho, attended the Passing-out Parade for the 492nd-495th Customs Officer Induction Courses at the Hong Kong Customs College today (July 5) to inspect 82 Probationary Customs Officers on parade. Among the passing-out officers, eight are members of Customs YES.
The Guards of Honour and all passing-out officers adopted the Chinese-style foot drill to form the logo of the World Customs Organization (WCO), demonstrating Hong Kong Customs' commitment to becoming the new Vice-Chairperson for the Asia/Pacific (A/P) region of the WCO starting from July this year. The Foot Drill and Flag Party of the Customs Youth Leader Corps, the first team under the Security Bureau to perform Chinese-style rifle foot drill, also made its debut in the Passing-out Parade, joining hands with the Guards of Honour and passing-out officers to form the pattern of the Tiananmen Tower to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. This arrangement demonstrated that the patriotic spirit of Hong Kong Customs can continue to be passed on from generation to generation.
Speaking at the passing-out parade, Ms Ho said under the protection of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, Hong Kong Customs will steadfastly safeguard national security and strive to promote the country and Hong Kong towards high-quality development, actively expand international exchanges and co-operation, and make full use of Hong Kong's distinctive advantages under "one country, two systems", enjoying the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world.
She added that Hong Kong Customs, in the name of Hong Kong, China, was elected as the Vice-Chairperson for the A/P region of the WCO at the Customs Co-operation Council Sessions of the WCO in Brussels on June 29, and formally assumed this role as regional representative for two years from July. The primary responsibilities of this role include driving regional development agendas, co-ordinating regional affairs, leading members in addressing various challenges and facilitating the formulation and implementation of regional strategic plans. By playing this pivotal role, Hong Kong Customs hopes to safeguard multilateralism and promote international co-operation, enhance the effectiveness in regional law enforcement, and strengthen the capability of Hong Kong Customs by proposing the agenda and collaboration means to contribute to the country and Hong Kong.
Talking about recruitment, Ms Ho pointed out that the response to this year's recruitment of Customs Inspectors has been encouraging, with more than 8 400 applications received, up 12 per cent from last year's 7 500. For Customs Officers, more than 5 300 applications were received in the first half of this year, representing an increase of 20 per cent over the 4 400 applications received in the same period last year. As Hong Kong Customs plays a more prominent role in the international arena after assuming the post of Vice-Chairperson for the A/P region of the WCO, it is believed that more young people who wish to broaden their horizons will be attracted to join Hong Kong Customs to realise their full potential.
Ms Ho encouraged the passing-out officers to carry forward the goal of creating "a new chapter of Asia-Pacific customs collaboration", to strive to provide diverse and quality customs services, and to make full use of Hong Kong Customs' unique advantages in regional co-operation to make significant new contributions to the country and to Hong Kong.
Commissioner of Customs and Excise reviews Hong Kong Customs passing-out parade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Commissioner of Customs and Excise reviews Hong Kong Customs passing-out parade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Commissioner of Customs and Excise reviews Hong Kong Customs passing-out parade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Commissioner of Customs and Excise reviews Hong Kong Customs passing-out parade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Commissioner of Customs and Excise reviews Hong Kong Customs passing-out parade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Commissioner of Customs and Excise reviews Hong Kong Customs passing-out parade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Commissioner of Customs and Excise reviews Hong Kong Customs passing-out parade Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
