Hong Kong Customs intercepts suspected cocaine worth about $5.1 million at airport (Photo)

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (August 9) discovered a case of drug trafficking involving concealment of luggage at Hong Kong International Airport. About 6.5 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $5.1 million was seized.

A 68-year-old female passenger departed from Warsaw, Poland on August 7 and traveled via Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Doha, Qatar and Hanoi, Vietnam before arriving in Hong Kong yesterday. During customs clearance, customs officers found a total of approximately 6.5 kg of suspected cocaine hidden in three soft toys in her carry-on suitcase. The woman was subsequently arrested.

An investigation is ongoing.

After the resumption of normal travel and exchanges with the mainland and other parts of the world, the number of visitors to Hong Kong has also increased steadily. Customs will continue to implement a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in dangerous drugs is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a $5 million fine and life imprisonment.

Citizens can report suspected drug trafficking through the Customs 24-hour hotline at 2545 6182, through the dedicated crime reporting email address ([email protected]) or through the online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).

End/Saturday August 10, 2024

Released at HKT 17:35

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