Customs seizes $900,000 of suspected cannabis buds at airport

Hong Kong Customs has seized about 4.5 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of HK$900,000 at Hong Kong International Airport.

The bust occurred on Thursday after a 47-year-old male passenger arrived from Ko Samui, Thailand. During clearance, officers found the suspected drugs and 81 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes concealed inside his baggage.

The man was arrested. An investigation is ongoing.

Customs stated it continues to step up enforcement against drug trafficking through intelligence analysis. The department reminded the public not to participate in drug trafficking for monetary gain, accept delegation to carry controlled items, or carry unknown items for others.

It will continue applying risk assessment to target passengers from high-risk regions to combat transnational drug trafficking.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking carries a maximum penalty of a HK$5 million fine and life imprisonment. Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, offences involving illicit cigarettes can lead to a maximum fine of HK$2 million and seven years' imprisonment.