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Hong Kong Customs seized about 1.4 kilogrammes of suspected cocaine estimated at $1.3 million at Hong Kong International Airport on February 13 and arrested an incoming male passenger.
The arrested person arrived at Hong Kong from Sao Paulo, Brazil via Dubai, United Arab Emirates on February 13. Upon baggage examination, Customs officers found the neck cushion and the jacket inside his rucksack abnormally heavy. With X-ray check, false compartments were found in the jacket. About 1.2 kilogrammes of suspected cocaine were found concealed in the interlining of the jacket and another 0.2 kilogramme of suspected cocaine were found soaked in the neck cushion.
The arrested male, aged 54, who claimed to be unemployed, will be charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, and will appear at Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (February 16).
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.
This is the second suspected drug trafficking case involving incoming passengers detected by Hong Kong Customs at the airport in the past three days. Hong Kong Customs will continue to keep track of the latest drugs trafficking trend and formulate pertinent anti-narcotics enforcement strategies. In addition, Hong Kong Customs will strengthen intelligence exchange with overseas law enforcement agencies so as to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
Ends/Sunday, February 15, 2015
Issued at HKT 14:41
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