Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected ketamine and suspected illicit cigarettes worth about $2.2 million (with photos)

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     Hong Kong Customs on September 22 detected a dangerous drug trafficking case and seized about 5.7 kilograms of suspected ketamine. Twenty-seven thousand six hundred suspected illicit cigarettes were also seized during a controlled delivery operation yesterday (September 23). The total estimated market value of the seizures was about $2.2 million. Three persons were arrested.

     Through risk assessment, Customs on September 22 inspected an express parcel, declared as ceramics, arriving in Hong Kong from Germany. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected ketamine in the parcel.

     Customs officers subsequently conducted a controlled delivery operation yesterday and arrested a 55-year-old local man in Sheung Shui suspected to be connected with the case. After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers intercepted two local women in Sheung Shui, aged 21 and 22, suspected to be connected with the case and found the batch of suspected illicit cigarettes from their private vehicle. They were subsequently arrested.

     The 55-year-old arrested man was charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The 21-year-old arrested woman was charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and one count of dealing with goods to which the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance applies. The case will appear at the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (September 25). The 22-year-old arrested woman has been released on bail pending further investigation.

     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. Customs stresses that it is an offence to buy or sell illicit cigarettes. Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

     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, September 24, 2026
Issued at HKT 21:05

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Hong Kong Customs on September 22 detected a dangerous drug trafficking case and seized about 5.7 kilograms of suspected ketamine. Twenty-seven thousand six hundred suspected illicit cigarettes were also seized during a controlled delivery operation yesterday (September 23). The total estimated market value of the seizures was about $2.2 million. Three persons were arrested. Photo shows the suspected ketamine seized.