Hong Kong Customs seized about 120 kilograms of suspected ketamine with an estimated market value of about $57 million at Hong Kong International Airport on January 18. This is a record high in quantity for a seizure of suspected ketamine made at the airport by Customs over the past 10 years.

     Customs officers inspected air cargo arriving in Hong Kong from Malaysia on January 18 and found the batch of suspected ketamine concealed inside 120 packs of tea bags in five boxes of goods declared as motor spare parts.

     Investigation is ongoing.

     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.

     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 24, 2019
Issued at HKT 14:30

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