Hong Kong Customs yesterday (June 11) detected a drug trafficking case involving an incoming air passenger at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 15 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $2.7 million.
A 44-year-old local woman arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, via Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds from her check-in suitcase. The woman was subsequently arrested.
The arrested person 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 (June 13).
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 return. 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.
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