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Hong Kong Customs arrested two incoming male passengers at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (February 1) and seized about eight kilograms of suspected cannabis resin worth about $560,000.
The two arrestees arrived from Kolkata, India yesterday. Upon baggage examination of one of the arrestee's baggage, Customs officers found a carton box filled with packs of turmeric and chili powder exuding a strong smell. Subsequent in-depth inspection revealed that eight pieces of suspected cannabis resin weighing about eight kilograms in total were placed at the bottom of the carton box. It was believed that the turmeric and chili powder were used to avoid customs' detection.
The 22 and 17-year-old arrestees, who claimed to be unemployed and a businessman respectively, will be jointly charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. They will appear at Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (February 3).
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking is a serious offence and the maximum penalty is life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.
Ends/Monday, February 2, 2015
Issued at HKT 21:36
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