Hong Kong Customs Seizes HK$3.5 Million in Cocaine at Airport, 48-Year-Old Female Passenger from Amsterdam Arrested

September 3, 2024 – (Hong Kong) Hong Kong Customs on September 2 has seized a large drug trafficking operation. They arrested a woman and seized about 4 kilograms of suspected cocaine, worth about HK$3.5 million.

The 48-year-old female passenger arrived at Hong Kong International Airport from Amsterdam. During routine customs checks, officers discovered the cocaine hidden in the interlining of her carry-on suitcase. After the discovery, the woman was arrested on the spot.

She now faces drug trafficking charges and is due to appear in West Kowloon District Court on September 4.

As the number of visitors to Hong Kong continues to rise, customs emphasizes that it wants to apply a risk assessment approach, focusing on passengers from high-risk areas to combat transnational drug trafficking.

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

The public is encouraged to report suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs via their 24-hour hotline on 2545 6182, or via their dedicated email and online crime reporting form.