Customs seizes $870,000 cannabis buds at airport, Bangkok passenger arrested

Hong Kong Customs arrested a 29-year-old male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport on Tuesday after finding about 4.2 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds in his carry-on luggage, with an estimated market value of about HK$870,000.

The man arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. During customs clearance, officers discovered the batch of suspected cannabis buds and arrested him.

The arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts on Thursday.

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 not to participate in drug trafficking for monetary gain 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.