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| The 5.5 kilos of cocaine has a market value of HK$4.1 million |
A 24-year-old male passenger from the Mainland was arrested on his arrival in Hong Kong from Manila on Tuesday, Oct. 6, after about 5.5 kilograms of suspected cocaine was found in his baggage, along with 45 untaxed cigarettes.
The drugs were said to have an estimated market value of about HK$4.1 million.
According to a statement released by Hong Kong Customs, the illicit goods were found in the man’s carry-on baggage during customs clearance.
An investigation is ongoing.
Customs said it will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis.
The department also advised the public to be wary of carrying unknown items for other people, and not to take part in any drug trafficking activities in exchange for monetary return.
Drug trafficking is a serious offence in Hong Kong. The maximum penalty upon conviction is life imprisonment and fine of up to HK$5 million.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO), any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is seven years’ jail and a fine of $2 million.
Any suspected drug trafficking activities should be reported, either 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).
