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Customs Drug Investigation Bureau officers yesterday (February 27) intercepted two foreign male passengers arriving from Paraguay at the Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 8.2 kilogrammes of cocaine in total. The drugs were concealed in the false compartments of their laptop computer bags with a total estimated market value of $8.5 million.
The arrestees, aged 31 and 49 respectively, claimed to be a martial arts instructor and a construction worker. Each of them will be charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and will appear at the Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Court on March 1.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is up to life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.
Ends/Thursday, February 28, 2013
Issued at HKT 21:23
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