CSD fully launches Approved Hand-in Articles e-Ordering Service
The Correctional Services Department (CSD) announced today (December 12) that the Approved Hand-in Articles e-Ordering Service will be fully implemented on December 17 to facilitate the visitation of visitors.
The service has been in a trial run at different correctional institutions in phases since September 10, 2024, to enable relatives and friends of persons in custody (PICs) to purchase approved hand-in articles for PICs via an online platform. The articles will be directly delivered to the correctional institutions concerned by the supplier.
A spokesman for the CSD said, "Positive responses have been received since the launch of the trial run of the service, which can reduce time for visitors to source the articles in the market and the inconvenience of carrying the articles to the correctional institutions. The service also shortens the time for correctional officers to conduct security checks and handle the articles, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency of correctional institutions."
The spokesman emphasised that the service aims to bring convenience to the public by providing them with an additional option. Visitors can continue to purchase articles for PICs using existing methods.
Visitors must be declared visitors of PICs to register for a user account on the Social Visit e-Services Platform before using the service. Visitors can register for an account through the following means:
Use the "iAM Smart" mobile application;
Visit the Social Visit e-Services Platform webpage (ebooking.icrms.csd.gov.hk/ebooking) via the CSD website or CSD mobile application to submit an application, and then go to the correctional institution where the PIC concerned was admitted in person for identity verification; or
Visit the correctional institution where the PIC concerned was admitted in person to submit an application and undergo identity verification.
For more details of the service, please browse the information on the CSD website (www.csd.gov.hk/english/online_service/eservicesplatform.html).
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected ketamine worth about $5.7 million at airport
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (December 11) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport. About 12 kilograms of suspected ketamine with an estimated market value of about $5.7 million was seized.
A 32-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Copenhagen, Denmark, via Helsinki, Finland, yesterday. During Customs clearance, the batch of suspected ketamine was found in 10 bags of drink powder and dog food inside his check-in suitcase. The man was subsequently arrested.
The arrested man has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (December 13).
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 ketamine worth about $5.7 million at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
