Hong Kong customs seize 3kg of cannabis from Bangkok passenger at airport
Hong Kong customs officers arrested a 56-year-old mainland Chinese male passenger at the airport after discovering about 3kg of suspected cannabis, a product containing suspected first-schedule poison, and seven untaxed cigarettes in his hand luggage. He had arrived from Bangkok, Thailand.
Hong Kong customs officers have arrested a 56-year-old mainland Chinese male passenger at the airport after seizing about three kilogrammes of suspected cannabis, a product containing suspected first-schedule poison, and seven untaxed cigarettes from his hand luggage, the government announced on 26 October 2026.
The man had arrived from Bangkok, Thailand, on the same day. Customs officers conducted checks during clearance and found the items in his hand luggage, leading to his immediate arrest. The investigation is ongoing.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in dangerous drugs is a serious offence. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty is a fine of HK$5 million and life imprisonment. The Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance states that anyone who possesses a first-schedule poison without following the regulations commits an offence, punishable by a fine of up to HK$100,000 and two years' imprisonment.
According to the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, cigarettes are dutiable goods. Anyone who imports, handles, possesses, sells or purchases illegal cigarettes commits an offence, with a maximum penalty of a HK$2 million fine and seven years' imprisonment.
Customs said it will continue intelligence analysis and strengthen efforts to combat drug trafficking. It urged the public to remain vigilant, not to engage in drug trafficking for financial gain, and not to accept offers to transport controlled items into or out of Hong Kong without confirming the nature of the goods.
Customs will also continue to select passengers from high-risk regions for clearance checks based on risk management principles to effectively combat cross-border drug trafficking, the statement added.
The public can report suspected drug trafficking activities via the Customs 24-hour hotline at 182 8080, by email at [email protected], or through the online form at eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002.
