***********************************************
Hong Kong Customs arrested an incoming male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport today (June 13) and seized about 1.84 kilogrammes of suspected cocaine worth about $1.97 million.
The arrestee arrived from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia today. After clearing all his personal belongings, Customs officers observed that his emptied briefcase was unusually heavy and aroused suspicion. Subsequent X-ray check revealed that there were false compartments inside the briefcase. Customs officers then cut open it which led to the finding of three slabs of suspected cocaine with a total weight of about 1.84 kilogrammes.
Besides, Customs officer on the same day arrested an outgoing male passenger departing for Adelaide, Australia at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about two kilogrammes of suspected methamphetamine worth about $1.05 million.
The arrestee, aged 47 and 54 respectively, both claimed to be businessmen, will each be charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. They will appear at Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (June 14).
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking is a serious offence and the maximum penalty is life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.
Hong Kong Customs will continue to keep track of the latest drugs trafficking trend and formulate pertinent anti-narcotics enforcement strategies accordingly. In addition, Hong Kong Customs will strengthen intelligence exchange with various overseas law enforcement agencies so as to combat transnational drugs trafficking activities.
Ends/Friday, June 13, 2014
Issued at HKT 23:42
NNNN
