Involvement of youth in cannabis trafficking is increasing at an alarming rate

Customs has arrested 22 men and 4 women, aged between 15 and 73 years, in cannabis trafficking cases in the city this year. Including seven of them with age under 18 claiming to be students.

As of November 9, Customs has detected 107 cases involving cannabis at the Hong Kong airport this year, seizing over 500 kilograms worth more than HK$68 million, which went up 120 percent comparing to last year.

Senior Superintendent Li Yim-ping of the Customs’ Syndicate Crimes Investigation Bureau said the upward trend of young offenders is alarming.

“They are often tempted by a reward of hundred or thousand Hong Kong dollars to commit the crime, receiving the packages containing cannabis for syndicates. We remind the public not to participate in any drug trafficking activities for monetary returns,” Li added.

Customs Divisional Commander of Air Cargo Research Yuen Wai-ming said different concealment methods have been adopted, including the use of speakers, coffee machines, carpets, clothes and chessboards as cover-ups to evade Customs' attention.