Hong Kong Customs detected a dangerous drug case on July 16, and seized about 131 kilograms of suspected ketamine, with an estimated market value of about $51.4 million. Three persons suspected to be connected with the case were arrested.
      
     Through intelligence exchange with Mainland anti-smuggling counterparts and risk assessment, Customs on July 14 inspected an air cargo consignment, declared as carrying rock sugar and arriving in Hong Kong from Germany, at Hong Kong International Airport. Upon inspection, Customs officers found about 131kg of suspected ketamine inside 17 plastic buckets and arrested a 58-year-old local male who came to collect the consignment. Upon follow-up investigations, Customs officers conducted a controlled delivery operation and further arrested two 24-year-old Bangladeshi males in Pat Heung, Yuen long, on July 16.
      
     The arrested local male has been released on bail pending further investigation; while the two arrested Bangladeshi males have been jointly charged with one count of attempting to traffic in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts on July 20.
      
     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, July 18, 2026
Issued at HKT 14:30

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