Woman, 20, arrested at HK airport over pepper spray in carry-on luggage

A 20-year-old woman was arrested at Hong Kong International Airport after security officers found pepper spray concealed in her carry-on luggage as she attempted to travel to the United States.

The arrest was made during a routine security screening on Sunday, when airport security personnel discovered the prohibited item inside the woman’s hand luggage. Police said preliminary investigations indicated that the pepper spray was intended to be taken out of Hong Kong.

The woman was arrested on suspicion of violating the Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance and has since been released on bail pending further investigation. The case is being handled by Airport Police District’s investigators.

Police reminded the public that carrying prohibited items such as expandable batons, brass knuckles, ammunition casings, or pepper spray when departing Hong Kong is illegal, regardless of whether the items are packed in checked baggage or carry-on luggage. Upon conviction, offenders face a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.