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Customs officers yesterday (March 17) seized 1.5 kilogrammes of cocaine, with an estimated market value of $1.2 million from a Malaysian woman at the Hong Kong International Airport.
The woman had flown from Brazil via South Africa.
During an examination of the woman's baggage, Customs officers uncovered cocaine hidden in a pair of underpants, and five pellets of cocaine inside a paper bag. They also found two packets of cocaine concealed in a pair of sneakers.
Suspecting that there might be internal concealment of dangerous drugs, Customs officers sent the woman to hospital for examination, and two more pellets of cocaine were discharged.
The woman was later charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. She will appear at the Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (March 19).
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is up to life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.
Ends/Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:06
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