Hong Kong in record meth bust as pandemic forces gangs to evolve

Head of Ports and Maritime Command Benson Lee (2nd from right) speaks next to Head of Drug Investigation Bureau Barry Chu (R) during a press conference about a record seizure of over 500 kilogrammes of methamphetamine in Hong Kong on Monday (Nov 2, 2020). - AFP

HONG KONG, Nov 2 (AFP): Hong Kong authorities announced a record seizure of over half a ton of methamphetamine on Monday, saying the coronavirus pandemic had led smugglers to riskier bulk shipments in place of traditional drug mules.

The crystal meth -- reportedly worth around HK$300 million (US$39 million) -- was discovered last Thursday hidden in a shipping container with a declared cargo of cement bags, officials said.