August 14, 2023
HONG KONG – Hong Kong Customs has foiled an attempt to smuggle 2 kilograms of suspected cocaine, with an estimated market value of about HK$2.1 million ($268,600), inside chidlren’s books at the Hong Kong International Airport.
Customs officers seized the suspected illegal drugs from a 65-year-old male passenger who arrived in from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on August 11, according to a Customs statement on Sunday.
The suspect has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and the case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts on Monday
During customs clearance, the officers found the batch of suspected cocaine concealed inside the interlinings of three book covers in his rucksack. The man was subsequently arrested.
The suspect has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and the case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts on Monday.
Following the increasing number of visitors to Hong Kong, Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of HK$5 million and life imprisonment, according to the statement.