Hong Kong Customs Seizes $5.2 Million in Drugs at Airport, Arrests Three Passengers

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds and suspected methamphetamine at airport

​Hong Kong Customs yesterday (October 9) detected three drug trafficking cases involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 13.5 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds and about 3kg of suspected methamphetamine with a total estimated market value of about $5.2 million.

The first and second case involved two male passengers, aged 24 and 20, who respectively arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, and from Chiang Mai, Thailand, via Bangkok, yesterday. During customs clearance, about 7.8kg and 5.7kg of suspected cannabis buds was seized from their check-in suitcases respectively. The two men were subsequently arrested. The dangerous drugs were packed in plastic bags and vacuum-sealed bags, and mix-loaded with personal belongings.

The third case involved a 30-year-old male passenger arriving in Hong Kong from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, yesterday. During customs clearance, about 3kg of suspected methamphetamine was found concealed in the false compartment of his check-in suitcase. The man was subsequently arrested.

Investigations of the three cases are ongoing.

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary returns. 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.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

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 182 8080 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 cannabis buds and suspected methamphetamine at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds and suspected methamphetamine at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

LegCo delegation begins duty visit to Japan

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

The Legislative Council (LegCo) delegation (the delegation), led by the President of LegCo, Mr Andrew Leung, began a four-day duty visit in Japan today (December 21) to strengthen ties with Japan and gain a deeper understanding of the latest situations and opportunities of the country in the areas of trade, culture and tourism, fisheries and agriculture, and food safety.

Upon arrival in Tokyo, the delegation had dinner and exchanged views with representatives of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo. Members and the Principal Hong Kong Economic and Trade Representative (Tokyo), Miss Winsome Au, discussed issues such as fostering the bilateral economic and trade relations between Hong Kong and Japan, attracting investment, and promoting Hong Kong tourism. Members also gained insight into the latest developments of Japanese culture, and explored the opportunities for collaboration between Hong Kong and Japan’s cultural industries. Mr Leung expressed gratitude to the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo for their assistance in facilitating this duty visit.

The delegation will continue their duty visit in Japan tomorrow (December 22).

The delegation is led by Mr Leung. The Deputy delegation leader is the Chairman of the Parliamentary Liaison Subcommittee, Mr Tommy Cheung. Other participating Subcommittee members are Mr Jeffrey Lam, Mr Dominic Lee, Ms Nixie Lam, Ms Joephy Chan, Mr Tang Fei and Mr Yim Kong.

LegCo delegation begins duty visit to Japan Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases