​Hong Kong Customs on May 13 and yesterday (May 20) seized a total of about 55 kilograms of suspected ketamine, one suspected etomidate capsule, 4 grams of suspected cannabis buds, 0.5g of suspected cocaine and one drug-inhaling apparatus, with an estimated market value of about $21 million at Hong Kong International Airport, Kwai Chung and Yuen Long. Two people were arrested.
      
     Through risk assessment, Customs on May 13 inspected an air cargo consignment, declared as a water purification system, arriving in Hong Kong from the Netherlands at Hong Kong International Airport. Upon inspection, Customs officers detected suspicious X-ray images in the consignment and found a total of about 55kg of suspected ketamine concealed in two water purification systems.
      
     After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers conducted a controlled delivery operation yesterday and arrested a 35-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman in Kwai Chung and Yuen Long respectively. One suspected etomidate capsule, 4g of suspected cannabis buds, 0.5g of suspected cocaine and one drug-inhaling apparatus were further seized from them upon body search and premises search. The investigation of the case is ongoing.
      
     Customs will continue to enhance 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 returns. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong.
      
     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/Thursday, May 21, 2026
Issued at HKT 19:30

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