Hong Kong customs seize crack cocaine from arriving passenger at airport
A 33-year-old mainland Chinese man was arrested at Hong Kong airport after customs officers found suspected crack cocaine in his luggage. He arrived from Sao Paulo via Addis Ababa. The man faces a drug trafficking charge and will appear in court on 29 October.
Hong Kong customs officers have arrested a 33-year-old mainland Chinese man on suspicion of drug trafficking after discovering a quantity of suspected crack cocaine in his luggage at the airport. The man arrived in Hong Kong on 27 October from Sao Paulo, Brazil, via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Customs officers selected the passenger for inspection during clearance and found the suspected drugs in his baggage. He was immediately taken into custody.
The arrested man has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be heard at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Court on 29 October.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty is a fine of HK$5 million and life imprisonment.
Customs said it would continue to strengthen efforts to combat drug trafficking based on intelligence analysis. The department urged the public to remain vigilant and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for financial gain. It warned against accepting offers or commissions to transport controlled items into or out of Hong Kong, and against helping others transport items without first confirming their nature.
Customs also said it would continue to apply risk-management principles to focus on passengers from high-risk areas during clearance checks, in order to effectively combat cross-border drug trafficking.
Members of the public can report suspected drug trafficking activities by calling the Customs 24-hour hotline at 182 8080, or via the dedicated email account at [email protected], or through the online form at eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002.
