​Hong Kong Customs smashed a suspected cannabis growing den in Yuen Long during an anti-narcotics operation conducted last evening (August 5). About 460 kilograms of suspected cannabis plants and about 5kg of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $70 million were seized. One man was arrested. This is the largest case of a cannabis growing den detected so far by Customs.

     Customs officers first intercepted a 47-year-old man in the district, followed by a search of a nearby residential premises. A total of 1 043 suspected cannabis plants, about 5kg of suspected cannabis buds and a batch of suspected cannabis growing equipment, including solar lamps, ventilation facilities and carbon dioxide generators were seized. The man was subsequently arrested.

     An investigation is ongoing and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.

     Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, both cultivation of cannabis and trafficking in a dangerous drug are serious offences. The maximum penalty for cultivation of cannabis is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for 15 years, and that for trafficking in a dangerous drug 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/Friday, August 6, 2021
Issued at HKT 17:20

NNNN