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Hong Kong Customs arrested an incoming male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport today (September 4) and seized about 12.5 kilogrammes of suspected cannabis resin worth about $800,000.
The arrested person, who claimed to be a businessman, arrived from Kolkata, India via Mumbai today. Upon baggage examination, Customs officers found the carton box he was carrying contained numerous packs of instant noodles and curry powder. Subsequent in-depth inspection revealed that about 12.5 kilogrammes of suspected cannabis resin was concealed in a false compartment at the bottom of the carton box. It is believed that the the odour of curry powder was made use of to avoid Customs' detection.
The arrested person, aged 40, will be charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. He will appear at Tsuen Wan Magistracy Court tomorrow (September 5).
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking is a serious offence and the maximum penalty is life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.
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 drugs trafficking activities.
Ends/Thursday, September 4, 2014
Issued at HKT 21:53
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