October 31, 2022
HONG KONG – Officials of Hong Kong Customs have made the largest methamphetamine stash bust in the city’s history in terms of the seizure amount and market value, seizing 1.8 tonnes of the drug worth about HK$1.1 billion in Kwai Chung.
The suspected liquid meth, concealed in a consignment labeled as coconut water, came from South America, the government said in a press release on Saturday.
Total 1,800 bottles of suspected liquid meth were among 7,700 bottles of paper packaging “coconut water” found in a consignment
The officials, through intelligence exchange with overseas law enforcement agencies, detected a large-scale transnational dangerous drugs case at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound on Oct 23, the release said.
Inspecting a seaborne consignment, declared as carrying coconut water, the officials found about 7,700 bottles of paper packaging coconut water, 1,800 bottles of which had suspected liquid methamphetamine concealed inside.
The total weight was about 1.8 tonnes, it added.
An investigation has been launched into the incident.
Cautioning members of the public against participating in drug trafficking activities, the Hong Kong Customs advised people not to accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong.
This photo shows one of the bottles of paper packaging coconut water used to conceal suspected liquid methamphetamine. (PHOTO / INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, HKSAR)
This photo provided by Hong Kong Customs shows some coconut water (left), some suspected liquid methamphetamine (center) and the packaging of coconut water used to conceal suspected liquid methamphetamine (right). (PHOTO / INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, HKSAR)
“They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people, nor to release their personal data or home address to others for receiving parcels or goods,” the statement said reminding people that the maximum penalty for trafficking in a dangerous drug is a fine of HK$5 million and life imprisonment.