Hong Kong customs seize cannabis, drugs and untaxed cigarettes at airport
Hong Kong customs arrested a 42-year-old mainland Chinese male traveller at the airport after finding suspected cannabis, controlled drugs and untaxed cigarettes in his hand luggage. He has been charged with drug trafficking and other offences, and will appear in court on 3 November.
A 42-year-old mainland Chinese male traveller was arrested at Hong Kong International Airport on 2 November after customs officers found suspected cannabis, products containing suspected Schedule 1 poison and untaxed cigarettes in his hand luggage during clearance. The man had arrived from Bangkok, Thailand, on the same day.
The arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking a dangerous drug, one count of possessing dutiable goods, one count of failing to declare dutiable goods to customs officers, and one count of possessing a Schedule 1 poison. The case will be heard at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Court on 3 November.
Hong Kong Customs said it would continue to strengthen efforts to combat drug trafficking based on intelligence analysis. The department also called on the public to stay vigilant, not to participate in drug trafficking for financial gain, not to accept any appointment or commission to transport controlled items into or out of Hong Kong, and not to help others transport items without first confirming their nature.
Customs said it would continue to use risk-management principles to select travellers from high-risk areas for clearance checks to ensure effective enforcement against cross-border drug trafficking.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in dangerous drugs is a serious offence. Upon conviction, offenders face a maximum fine of HK$5 million and life imprisonment. Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, unauthorised possession of any poison listed in Part 1 of the Poisons Table is an offence, punishable by a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and two years' imprisonment. Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, cigarettes are dutiable goods. Importing, handling, possessing, selling or purchasing illicit cigarettes is an offence, punishable by a maximum fine of HK$2 million and seven years' imprisonment.
Members of the public can report suspected drug trafficking activities by calling the Customs 24-hour hotline at 182 8080, via the dedicated email account ([email protected]), or through the online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
