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Hong Kong Customs detected a suspected drug trafficking case at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (January 9) and arrested an incoming female passenger and seized about 1.4 kilograms of suspected cocaine, with a total value of about $1.5 million.
The arrested woman arrived at Hong Kong from Johannesburg, South Africa via Dubai, United Arab Emirates last night. During customs clearance, Customs officers found seven chocolate candy packets inside plastic bags she carried. In-depth examination led to the discovery of 68 pellets of suspected cocaine with a total weight of about 1.4 kilograms inside the seven packets.
The arrested woman, aged 35 and claimed to be a merchant, was charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. She will appear at Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (January 11).
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, January 10, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:07
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