Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cocaine (with photos)
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Customs officers inspected an air mail parcel from Brazil on December 10 and found about 1.2 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $1.4 million concealed inside four cans of powdered formula and coffee powder in the parcel.
After follow-up investigation, Customs officers yesterday (December 13) arrested a 20-year-old man suspected to be in connection with the case in Tsz Wan Shan. He has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and will appear at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (December 15).
Also, a 64-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Brussels, Belgium, this morning. During Customs clearance, about 1 kilogram of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $1.1 million was found concealed inside a false compartment of his tablet case. The man was then arrested. Investigation is ongoing.
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.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Friday, December 14, 2018
Issued at HKT 17:50
Issued at HKT 17:50
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