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Hong Kong Customs seized about 2.26 kilogrammes of suspected cocaine worth about $2,400,000 at Hong Kong International Airport today (December 4) and arrested an incoming female passenger.
The arrested person, who claimed to be a domestic helper, arrived Hong Kong from Manila, the Philippines today. Upon baggage examination, Customs officers found three pairs of abnormally heavy shoes in the baggage she was carrying. With X-ray check, false compartments in the shoe soles were found. About 2.1 kilogrammes of suspected cocaine was concealed in the false compartments. Customs officers later found on her another 0.16 kilogramme of suspected cocaine.
The arrested person, aged 29, will be charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. She will appear at Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (December 5).
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking is a serious offence. 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 drug trafficking activities.
Ends/Thursday, December 4, 2014
Issued at HKT 23:06
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