Customs seizes $1m cocaine at airport, 2 passengers arrested

Hong Kong Customs arrested two male passengers at Hong Kong International Airport on Tuesday for allegedly trafficking about 1.1 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about HK$1 million.

The two men, aged 52 and 24, arrived in Hong Kong from Penang, Malaysia. Customs officers intercepted them and found the batch of suspected cocaine in the carry-on baggage of one passenger. Both were arrested.

An investigation is ongoing. Customs said it will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, focusing on passengers from high-risk regions.

The department reminded the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking for monetary gain, accept hiring to carry controlled items into or out of Hong Kong, or carry unknown items for others.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug carries a maximum penalty of a HK$5 million fine and life imprisonment.