​Hong Kong Customs detected two drug trafficking cases involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (October 27) and seized a total of about four kilograms of suspected cocaine and about 12kg of suspected ketamine, with a total estimated market value of about $7.9 million. Two persons suspected to be connected with the cases were arrested.

     In the first case, a 26-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Paris, France, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found a batch of suspected cocaine, weighing about 4kg with an estimated market value of about $2.4 million, concealed in the false compartment of his check-in suitcase. The man was subsequently arrested.

     In the second case, a 50-year-old female passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Paris, France, via Doha, Qatar, on the same day. During customs clearance, Customs officers found a batch of suspected ketamine, weighing about 12kg with an estimated market value of about $5.5 million, in her check-in suitcase. The woman was subsequently arrested.

     For the first case, an investigation is still ongoing. The arrested woman in the second case has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, and she will appear at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts on October 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/Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Issued at HKT 20:31

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