​Hong Kong Customs on January 22 and yesterday (January 31) seized about 1.5 kilograms of suspected heroin and about 3kg of suspected methamphetamine, with a total estimated market value of about $3 million, at Hong Kong International Airport and in Kwun Tong respectively. Three adolescents suspected to be connected with the case were arrested.

     Customs on January 22 inspected an air consignment, declared as carrying cosmetics, arriving in Hong Kong from Thailand. Upon examination, Customs officers found about 1.5kg of suspected heroin concealed inside the false compartments of four kick pads.

     Customs officers subsequently mounted a controlled delivery operation yesterday and arrested a 14-year-old male youth and a 14-year-old female youth suspected to be connected with the case in Kwun Tong. Later, the officers searched a residential premises in the same district, which was the home unit of the 14-year-old male youth, and seized about 3kg of suspected methamphetamine and a batch of suspected drug packaging paraphernalia inside the premises. A 15-year-old male youth was also arrested at the premises.

     An investigation is ongoing.

     Customs appeals to young people that they should not take chances or take risks since drug trafficking is a serious criminal offence. Criminal conviction will result in grave repercussions for their future. Parents should also keep an eye on their children's friends to prevent their children from taking drugs or participating in drug trafficking activities under peer influence and pay attention to whether they have income from unknown sources.

     Members of the public are also reminded to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people, nor to release their personal data or home address to others for receiving parcels or goods.

     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/Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Issued at HKT 18:25

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