​Hong Kong Customs today (August 29) detected two drug trafficking cases involving passengers at Hong Kong International Airport and seized over 30 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with a total estimated market value of about $7 million. Two men were arrested.

     The cases involved two male passengers, aged 51 and 36, who arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found over 20kg and 10kg of suspected cannabis buds in their check-in suitcases respectively. The two batches of suspected cannabis buds were concealed by vacuum-sealed bags. The two men were subsequently arrested.

     After an investigation, the two arrested men have each been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, and the cases will be brought up at the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (August 30).

     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/Friday, August 29, 2025
Issued at HKT 20:08

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