Hong Kong Customs seized a total of about 4.1 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $730,000 at Hong Kong International Airport on January 7.

     Customs officers inspected two parcels arriving in Hong Kong from Canada on January 7 and seized about 2.1kg and 2kg of suspected cannabis buds inside the parcels.

     After follow-up investigation, Customs officers yesterday (January 9) arrested two men in Tsuen Wan and Tuen Mun, aged 34 and 47 respectively, suspected to be in connection with the case.

     Investigation is ongoing and the arrested men have been released on bail pending further investigation.

     Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

     Customs also reminds that cannabis and tetrahydro-cannabinol (THC) are classified as dangerous drugs under the Ordinance. Importation of products (including food and drinks) containing cannabis or THC into Hong Kong is prohibited unless the relevant provisions in the Ordinance are complied with. In order to avoid breaching the law inadvertently, special attention should be paid to the packaging labels of food and drinks.

     Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

Ends/Thursday, January 10, 2019
Issued at HKT 16:15

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