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Hong Kong Customs seized about 3.5 kilograms of suspected cocaine, with a market value of about $3.7 million and arrested a male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport today (May 15).
The arrested man arrived at Hong Kong from Dubai this morning. During customs clearance, Customs officers found a plastic ice bucket inside a piece of his hand-carry baggage. X-ray check revealed suspicious images inside the ice bucket. In-depth examination led to the discovery of 3.5 kilograms of suspected cocaine concealed inside the insulating layer of the ice bucket.
The arrested man, aged 77 and claimed to be a retiree, will be charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. He will appear at Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (May 16).
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.
Ends/Sunday, May 15, 2016
Issued at HKT 22:46
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