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Hong Kong Customs seized about 1.8 kilograms of suspected cocaine, with an estimated street value of about $1.9 million at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (May 16) and arrested an incoming male passenger.
The male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Bogota, Colombia via Brazil and Singapore yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found one laptop bag and two empty bags inside a suitcase unexceptionally heavy which aroused their suspicion. Under X-ray check, suspicious images surfaced. Subsequent in-depth inspection led to the discovery of the suspected cocaine concealed inside false compartments of the laptop bag, the two empty bags and the suitcase.
The arrested male, aged 24, who claimed to be a businessman, will be charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. He will appear at Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (May 18).
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, the maximum penalty for drug trafficking is life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.
Ends/Sunday, May 17, 2015
Issued at HKT 13:24
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