Hong Kong Customs detected three drug trafficking cases involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport and seized a total of about 22 kilograms of suspected ketamine, about 21kg of suspected cannabis buds, about 9.5 grams of smokeless tobacco, an alternative smoking product and 2 e-cigarette cartridges, with a total estimated market value of about $13 million. Three males were arrested.

     The first case involved a 38-year-old male passenger, who claimed to be unemployed, arriving in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday (March 29). During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 11kg of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value $2.3 million inside his baggage. The man was subsequently arrested.

     The second case involved a 58-year-old male passenger, who claimed to be a salesperson, arriving in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 10kg of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of $2.1 million inside his baggage. The man was subsequently arrested.

     The third case involved a 24-year-old male passenger, who claimed to be a businessman, arriving in Hong Kong from Tokyo, Japan today (March 30). During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 22kg of suspected ketamine, as well as 9.5g of smokeless tobacco, an alternative smoking product and two e-cigarette cartridges, with an estimated market value of $8.6 million, concealed inside his check-in suitcase and carry-on bag. The male was subsequently arrested.

     The two arrested persons in the first two cases have each been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The cases will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (March 31) while the investigation of the third case 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.

     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/Monday, March 30, 2026
Issued at HKT 22:45

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