22-year-old local woman arrested for pepper spray in carry-on luggage

A 22-year-old local 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 Singapore. 

The arrest was made during a routine security screening on Friday, when airport security personnel discovered the prohibited item inside the woman’s hand luggage. 

This comes after another 20-year-old woman was arrested for having the same item in her luggage last week. 

The 22-year-old 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.