Hong Kong Customs yesterday (October 4) detected a drug trafficking case at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port and seized about 850 grams of suspected etomidate powder and one suspected etomidate capsule with an estimated market value of about $2.4 million.

     Customs officers yesterday intercepted an incoming private car at the HZMB Hong Kong Port for Customs clearance and found the batch of suspected etomidate powder concealed inside plastic bottles of health product in a parcel placed inside the vehicle. A 41-year-old male driver and a 49-year-old male passenger were subsequently arrested. Later, one suspected etomidate capsule was found in the personal belongings of the arrested male passenger.

     The arrested driver has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The arrested passenger has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and one count of possession of a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (October 6).

     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.

     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/en).

Ends/Sunday, October 5, 2025
Issued at HKT 17:40

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