Hong Kong Customs detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment in the small hours of today (August 21) at Hong Kong International Airport, and seized 39 suspected etomidate capsules with an estimated market value of about $10,000.

     A male passenger, aged 26, arrived in Hong Kong from Chiang Mai, Thailand, yesterday (August 20). During customs clearance, Customs officers found 39 suspected etomidate capsules concealed in two candy packaging bags in his check-in suitcase. The man was subsequently arrested.

     An investigation is ongoing.

     Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public 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.

     Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

     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 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Ends/Thursday, August 21, 2025
Issued at HKT 18:00

NNNN