Customs Seizures Lead To self-Storage Searches

On Sept. 12, Hong Kong Customs detected two dangerous drugs cases in Yau Tong and Hong Kong International Airport. A total of about 27 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $7.7 million was seized and three suspects cases were arrested.

Through intelligence analysis and in-depth investigation, Customs targeted a man who was suspected of controlling two drug storage centers in Yau Tong and arrested him in Lok Ma Chau. Customs officers then escorted the man to two mini-storage centers in Yau Tong for a search and found about 11 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds and a batch of drug packaging paraphernalia in each of the mini-storage centers. A total of 22 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds were seized in the operation. The 32-year-old man who was arrested has been charged with two counts of trafficking in a dangerous drug.

In the other case, acting on intelligence exchange with an overseas law enforcement agency, Customs targeted and inspected an air parcel from Thailand that was declared as carrying car gearbox parts but instead concealed about 5 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds. Customs officers arrested a 41-year-old woman and a 17-year-old man, who claimed to be a clerk and a student respectively. An investigation is ongoing.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.