Hong Kong Customs yesterday (July 28) and today (July 29) detected three drug trafficking cases at Hong Kong International Airport. About 36 kilograms of suspected ketamine, about 21kg of suspected cannabis buds and four pieces of suspected alternative smoking products with a total estimated market value of about $19 million were seized. Two men and two women were arrested.

     In the first case, a 20-year-old British female passenger and a 20-year-old British male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from London, United Kingdom, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 36kg of suspected ketamine from their respective check-in suitcase, and four pieces of suspected alternative smoking products on the male passenger. They were subsequently arrested.

     In the second case, a 25-year-old Malaysian male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 10kg of suspected cannabis buds from his check-in suitcase. The man was subsequently arrested.

     In the third case, a 21-year-old local woman arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 11kg of suspected cannabis buds from her check-in suitcase. The woman was subsequently arrested.

     The arrested person in the second case has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and the case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (July 30). Investigations of the first and the third case are 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 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 Import and Export Ordinance, importing an alternative smoking product is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years upon conviction. 

     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/Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Issued at HKT 21:45

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