Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport (with photos)
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A 25-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Johannesburg, South Africa, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 5kg of suspected cocaine concealed in the false compartments of his check-in suitcase. The man was subsequently arrested.
Later, Customs officers further seized three suspected gravity-operated steel batons and two suspected controlled air pistols in the arrested man's residence.
The 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.
Under the Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance, any person found guilty of possession of arms without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for 14 years.
Under the Weapons Ordinance, any person found guilty of possessing any prohibited weapon is liable to a maximum fine of $10,000 and imprisonment for three years.
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/Monday, December 22, 2025
Issued at HKT 19:35
Issued at HKT 19:35
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