Hong Kong Customs detects three drug trafficking cases involving incoming passengers at airport (with photos)
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The first case involved a Mainland male passenger, aged 48, arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, last night (September 7). During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 3kg of suspected cannabis buds, with an estimated market value of about $700,000 in his carry-on suitcase. The man was arrested in the early hours today.
In the second case, a 23-year-old Taiwan male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Barcelona, Spain, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 25kg of suspected ketamine, with an estimated market value of about $10 million inside his checked-in suitcase. The man was subsequently arrested.
In the third case, a 37-year-old Mainland female passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, via Manila, the Philippines, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 10kg of suspected cannabis buds, with an estimated market value of about $2.3 million inside her checked-in suitcase. The woman was subsequently arrested.
The arrested men in the first two cases have each been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The arrested woman in the third case will be charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The three cases will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (September 9).
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 also 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).
Ends/Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Issued at HKT 22:55
Issued at HKT 22:55
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