Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected dangerous drugs and "space oil drug" worth about $20 million in anti-narcotics operations (with photos)
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In the first case, through an in-depth investigation, Customs targeted a foreign man who was suspected of controlling a drug storage centre in Causeway Bay. Yesterday, Customs officers searched the subject premises and found about 33kg of suspected methamphetamine with an estimated market value of about $18 million. The man was immediately arrested at the scene. The arrested man, aged 41, who claimed to be a masseur, has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. He will appear at the Eastern Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (January 9).
In the second case, through an in-depth investigation, Customs targeted a local man who was suspected of managing a drug manufacturing centre in Yuen Long. Customs officers intercepted him in Tai Po yesterday and seized about 1kg of suspected cocaine inside plastic bags carried by him. He was arrested and was brought to a premises in Yuen Long for a search. About 1.9kg of suspected "space oil drug", about 60g of suspected crack cocaine, 13 suspected "space oil drug" capsules, 41 vape sticks containing suspected THC and a batch of drug manufacturing and packaging paraphernalia, with an estimated total market value of about $2 million, were further seized. The arrested man, aged 37, claimed to be unemployed, has been charged with three counts of trafficking in a dangerous drug and one count of possession of Part 1 poison. He will appear at the Fanling Magistrates' Courts tomorrow.
With the Chinese New Year holidays approaching, Customs believes that the local demand for drugs will increase. The department will therefore further step up enforcement action to rigorously combat different kinds of dangerous drug trafficking activities before the long holidays.
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. Moreover, under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, any person who possesses any poison included in Part 1 of the Poisons List other than in accordance with provisions commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for two years.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour report hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).
Ends/Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Issued at HKT 17:20
Issued at HKT 17:20
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