26-6-2023 (HONG KONG) In a significant development, Hong Kong Customs officers successfully intercepted a drug trafficking case at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday, resulting in the seizure of approximately 14 kilograms of suspected cocaine. The estimated market value of the seized drugs amounts to a staggering HK$15 million (approximately S$2.5 million).
The incident unfolded when a 42-year-old female passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. During the routine customs clearance process, officers became suspicious of the contents inside two checked-in carton boxes belonging to the passenger. Upon further inspection, their suspicions were confirmed – a total of 38 boxes of agar-agar powder were discovered. However, what appeared to be a harmless substance turned out to be a cover for a substantial cocaine consignment, with each box containing suspected cocaine. The cumulative weight of the illicit substance amounted to approximately 14 kilograms. Swift action was taken, and the woman was promptly arrested.
The arrested individual is facing charges of trafficking in a dangerous drug, which is considered a severe offense under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance. The case will be presented before the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow, where legal proceedings will commence.
Hong Kong has experienced a gradual rise in visitor numbers following the resumption of normal travel and exchanges with mainland China and other parts of the world. Consequently, customs authorities have been employing a risk assessment approach, focusing their efforts on scrutinizing passengers from high-risk regions to combat transnational drug trafficking activities effectively.
It is becoming increasingly evident that drug traffickers are adapting their methods to evade detection as passenger traffic volumes surge. In this case, the criminals employed agar-agar powder boxes as a clever disguise for concealing the illicit cocaine. As a result, customs officers must remain vigilant and enhance their capabilities to detect more sophisticated concealment techniques.
Trafficking in a dangerous drug carries severe penalties under the law. Upon conviction, the offender could face a maximum fine of HK$5 million (S$864,000) and life imprisonment, highlighting the gravity of this offense.
