Evidence seized by customs officers at the Hong Kong Airport. -- Photo: SCMP
HONG KONG: Hong Kong customs officers have arrested three travellers, including a man from Malaysia, for allegedly smuggling drugs in separate cases involving more than HK$9 million (US$1.16 million) at the airport.
The Customs and Excise Department said on Wednesday officers seized about 4.5kg (9.9lbs) of suspected liquid cocaine and about 12kg of suspected ketamine from the three passengers at the Hong Kong International Airport on Tuesday. The suspected drugs had a combined market value of HK$9.4 million.
Officers arrested a 32-year-old man from Malaysia during customs clearance after finding 2kg of suspected ketamine in tea leaf packaging in his carry-on suitcase.
In the second case, about 4.5kg of suspected liquid cocaine was found in the checked-in suitcase of a 26-year-old man who arrived from Sao Paulo, Brazil, via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The suspected drugs were concealed in two wine bottles and three personal care products.
In the third case, a 46-year-old male passenger arriving from Paris, France, was found with about 10kg of suspected ketamine hidden in protein powder packaging inside his checked-in suitcase.
All three individuals have been charged and investigations are underway to determine the full extent of their respective cases.
In another case, a Hong Kong police officer was also injured on Wednesday after being dragged for approximately 250 metres by a van he deemed suspicious during his patrol.
The incident unfolded around 10 am near the intersection of Lai Po Road and Lin Cheung Road, Cheung Sha Wan, when the uniformed officer approached the vehicle stationary at the scene.
According to the Hong Kong Post, officers had noticed the driver holding what appeared to be a syringe and several packages of suspected drugs inside the vehicle. The officer attempted to order the middle-aged man to exit the van, but the driver accelerated and sped away, resulting in the officer clinging to the window frame.
These incidents highlight the continued efforts of Hong Kong's law enforcement agencies to tackle drug-related crime and public safety threats, said government officials in an official statement.
With rising concerns about drug trafficking and dangerous driving, authorities are determined to strengthen their operational strategies to combat these issues effectively.
"Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary returns.
"They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people," said the statement.
"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 in Hong Kong is a fine of HK$5 million and life imprisonment.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
