Hong Kong customs seize cocaine at airport, arrest Indonesian man
Hong Kong customs arrested a 57-year-old Indonesian man on 13 November 2026 after finding suspected cocaine hidden in the false bottom of his checked suitcase. The man had arrived from Bogota, Colombia via Sao Paulo, Brazil and Doha, Qatar.
Hong Kong customs officers at the airport have arrested a 57-year-old Indonesian man on suspicion of drug trafficking, after discovering suspected cocaine hidden in the false compartment of his checked suitcase. The man arrived in Hong Kong on 13 November 2026 from Bogota, Colombia, via Sao Paulo, Brazil and Doha, Qatar.
Customs officers detected the suspicious package during baggage inspection and found the suspected cocaine concealed in a false bottom of the suitcase. The man was immediately arrested. The case remains under investigation.
Hong Kong customs said it will continue to strengthen enforcement against drug trafficking based on intelligence analysis. It urged the public to remain vigilant and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for financial gain, nor to accept any offer to transport controlled items into or out of Hong Kong. People should not help others transport items without first confirming the nature of the goods.
Customs said it will continue to use risk management principles, focusing on passengers from high-risk areas for clearance checks, to ensure effective enforcement against cross-border drug trafficking.
Under Hong Kong's 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.
Members of the public can report suspected drug trafficking activities by calling 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.
