Hong Kong Customs' "Flame Mesh" operation combats transnational drug trafficking and seizes drugs worth over $50 million (with photo)

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     Hong Kong Customs conducted an anti-narcotics operation codenamed "Flame Mesh" from July 13 to yesterday (August 17) to combat drug syndicates exploiting transit air passengers for transnational drug trafficking activities. During the operation, Customs seized a total of about 240 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with a total estimated market value of about $56 million, and arrested 10 persons suspected to be connected with the cases.

     Customs has been monitoring the latest drug trafficking trends involving transit air passengers based on risk assessment and intelligence analysis. In view of the significant surge in the number of travellers during the summer vacation, Customs has stepped up enforcement against transit air passengers travelling from Southeast Asia to Europe and Africa via Hong Kong. During the operation, Customs officers arrested 10 transit air passengers, aged between 18 and 57, at Hong Kong International Airport. A total of about 240kg of suspected cannabis buds, with a total estimated market value of about $56 million, were seized inside their baggage.

     Customs will continue to monitor the latest drug trafficking trends and identify suspicious passengers based on risk assessment. Hong Kong Customs will also work closely with other customs organisations to trace the sources of drugs and combat transnational drug trafficking through intelligence exchanges and joint operations.

     Customs reminds members of the public not to participate in 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 at 182 8080, via its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Ends/Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Issued at HKT 18:30

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Hong Kong Customs conducted an anti-narcotics operation codenamed "Flame Mesh" from July 13 to yesterday (August 17) to combat transnational drug trafficking activities exploiting transit air passengers by drug syndicates. During the operation, Customs seized a total of about 240 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $56 million, and arrested 10 persons suspected to be connected with the cases. Photo shows the suspected cannabis buds seized in the operation.