Customs seizes $13m drugs at airport in three cases, 3 men arrested

Hong Kong Customs detected three drug trafficking cases at Hong Kong International Airport over the past two days, seizing about 22 kilograms of suspected ketamine, about 21kg of suspected cannabis buds, and other smoking products with a total estimated market value of about HK$13 million. Three men were arrested.

In the first case, a 38-year-old unemployed male passenger arriving from Bangkok, Thailand on Sunday was found with about 11kg of suspected cannabis buds worth about HK$2.3 million inside his baggage. He was arrested.

In the second case, a 58-year-old male salesperson arriving from Bangkok on Sunday was found with about 10kg of suspected cannabis buds worth about HK$2.1 million inside his baggage. He was arrested.

In the third case, a 24-year-old male businessman arriving from Tokyo, Japan on Monday was found with about 22kg of suspected ketamine, as well as 9.5 grams of smokeless tobacco, an alternative smoking product and two e-cigarette cartridges, with an estimated market value of about HK$8.6 million, concealed inside his checked and carry-on luggage. He was arrested.

The two men arrested in the first two cases have each been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, with their cases scheduled for hearing at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts on Tuesday. The investigation into the third case 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 not to participate in drug trafficking for monetary gain or carry unknown items for others.

Trafficking in a dangerous drug carries a maximum penalty of a HK$5 million fine and life imprisonment.