Hong Kong Customs today (February 21) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 3 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds, a grinder containing traces of suspected cannabis buds and an alternative smoking product with an estimated market value of about $0.6 million.

     A female passenger, aged 21, arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds concealed inside vacuum-sealed bags, a grinder containing traces of suspected cannabis buds and an alternative smoking product in her check-in suitcase, carry-on suitcase and carry-on handbag respectively. She was subsequently arrested. 

     The arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and one count of importing alternative smoking products. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts on February 23. 

     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/Saturday, February 21, 2026
Issued at HKT 18:45

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