Hong Kong Customs Seizes $20 Million in Drugs, Arrests Two during Anti-Narcotics Operations

2025-01-08 17:20 Last Updated At：17:28

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected dangerous drugs and "space oil drug" worth about $20 million in anti-narcotics operations

Hong Kong Customs conducted anti-narcotics operations and detected two dangerous drug cases in Causeway Bay, Tai Po and Yuen Long yesterday (January 7), seizing about 33 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine, about 1.9kg of suspected "space oil drug", about 1kg of suspected cocaine, about 60 grams of suspected crack cocaine, 13 suspected "space oil drug" capsules and 41 vape sticks containing suspected tetrahydro-cannabinol (THC), with a total estimated market value of about $20 million. Two persons suspected to be connected with the cases were arrested.

In the first case, through an in-depth investigation, Customs targeted a foreign man who was suspected of controlling a drug storage centre in Causeway Bay. Yesterday, Customs officers searched the subject premises and found about 33kg of suspected methamphetamine with an estimated market value of about $18 million. The man was immediately arrested at the scene. The arrested man, aged 41, who claimed to be a masseur, has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. He will appear at the Eastern Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (January 9).

In the second case, through an in-depth investigation, Customs targeted a local man who was suspected of managing a drug manufacturing centre in Yuen Long. Customs officers intercepted him in Tai Po yesterday and seized about 1kg of suspected cocaine inside plastic bags carried by him. He was arrested and was brought to a premises in Yuen Long for a search. About 1.9kg of suspected "space oil drug", about 60g of suspected crack cocaine, 13 suspected "space oil drug" capsules, 41 vape sticks containing suspected THC and a batch of drug manufacturing and packaging paraphernalia, with an estimated total market value of about $2 million, were further seized. The arrested man, aged 37, claimed to be unemployed, has been charged with three counts of trafficking in a dangerous drug and one count of possession of Part 1 poison. He will appear at the Fanling Magistrates' Courts tomorrow.

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 rigorously 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. Moreover, under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, any person who possesses any poison included in Part 1 of the Poisons List other than in accordance with provisions commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for two years.

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/).

Paul Chan Promotes Hong Kong's Business Opportunities at Jakarta Symposium

2025-01-08 23:59 Last Updated At：01-09 00:58

FS begins visit to Jakarta, Indonesia (with photos/video)

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, today (January 8) began his visit to Jakarta, Indonesia. He attended the Think Business, Think Hong Kong Symposium organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) in the morning, addressing over 1 500 leaders from the commerce and industry, financial, and innovation and technology sectors in Indonesia and nearby regions to promote Hong Kong's new advantages and new opportunities.

Mr Chan noted in his speech that Indonesia's economy has developed rapidly, with an average annual growth rate of 4.2 per cent over the past decade. The youthful labour force, fast-growing middle class, expanding consumer market and rapid urbanisation have made Indonesia an emerging market full of opportunities.

Mr Chan said that with the unique advantages of connections to both Mainland China and foreign countries under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong serves as the "super connector" and "super value-adder". Hong Kong is not only an international financial, shipping and trading centre,and an international hub for high-calibre talents but also a core city of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, making it the most convenient and efficient gateway for Indonesian enterprises to enter Mainland China.

In his speech, Mr Chan also highlighted Hong Kong's strengths in financial services and green technology. As a leading global financial centre, Hong Kong has full-chain fundraising capabilities. Through mutual access with the capital markets of Mainland China, Indonesian companies that are listed in Hong Kong can access both Mainland and international funds simultaneously. In light of Indonesia's massive infrastructure investment needs, infrastructure projects in Indonesia can be financed in Hong Kong through various channels such as public listings, issuing bonds, forming real estate investment trusts, bonds, and even securitisation of the projects. In addition, Hong Kong is the world's largest offshore RMB business hub. With the continuous rise in trade between China and Indonesia, Indonesian businessmen holding RMB can take advantage of the various RMB-denominated investment and risk management tools offered by Hong Kong to earn better returns and manage risks effectively. They can also issue RMB-denominated securities in Hong Kong to raise funds to support their business development needs in the mainland. Regarding green and sustainable finance, Hong Kong's relevant standards are highly aligned with international ones, which can support Indonesia and the region's green transformation. Additionally, the Science Park and Cyberport have gathered many green technology companies that can provide innovative green solutions for Indonesian partners.

Mr Chan also introduced Hong Kong's advantages in high-value supply chain management services. Under the prevailing international political and economic landscape, many companies are seeking to diversify risks by re-aligning their industry and supply chains. They require services such as supply chain management, trade financing, corporate treasury services and professional consulting. As a "super connector" and "super value-adder," Hong Kong is well-positioned to offer these services. Indonesian companies are welcomed to establish their international or regional business headquarters, corporate treasury centres, and supply chain management centres in Hong Kong.

Organised by the HKTDC, the Think Business, Think Hong Kong Symposium brought together about 120 government representatives, business leaders, start-up representatives and professional service providers from Hong Kong to strengthen commercial connections between Hong Kong and Indonesia. An exhibition zone for professional services and start-ups was set up at the event to showcase products and solutions from Hong Kong companies, facilitating business matching between Hong Kong and Indonesia.

Afterwards, Mr Chan met with various senior government officials of Indonesia, including the Minister of Finance, Ms Sri Mulyani Indrawati; the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Dr Airlangga Hartarto; the Minister of Investment and Downstream Industry, Mr Rosan Perkasa Roeslani; and the Deputy Minister of Trade, Ms Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri. Mr Chan introduced them to the advantages and development opportunities in Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), and the unique role and functions of Hong Kong therein. They discussed strengthening co-operation in bilateral trade, investments, finance and innovation and technology. Mr Chan welcomed them to visit Hong Kong and lead business delegations to Hong Kong and the GBA to explore more business opportunities and strengthen collaboration.

In the afternoon, Mr Chan called on the Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr Wang Lutong, to understand the latest developments on collaboration between the country and Indonesia, and exchange views on strengthening economic and people-to-people relations between Hong Kong and Indonesia.

Mr Chan had lunch with key members of the China Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia to understand the Indonesian social economic conditions and business environment and their experience in Indonesia, and exchange views on issues of mutual interest.

This evening, Mr Chan attended the Hong Kong Dinner organised by the HKTDC where he addressed more than 400 Indonesian leaders from commerce and industry to promote Hong Kong in business, culture, tourism and lifestyle.

Mr Chan will continue his visit to Jakarta tomorrow (January 9). He will depart for Hong Kong in the afternoon local time.

Hong Kong Customs Seizes $20 Million in Drugs, Arrests Two during Anti-Narcotics Operations

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Hong Kong Customs Seizes $20 Million in Drugs, Arrests Two during Anti-Narcotics Operations

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