Hong Kong Customs seized 30 kg of heroin worth $17 million at the airport, arresting two suspects linked to the trafficking case.
Hong Kong Customs has detected a drug trafficking case involving air cargo at Hong Kong International Airport, seizing about 30 kilograms of suspected heroin valued at $17 million, reported Hong Kong Government Information Service.
Officers examined a consignment arriving from Vietnam, which was declared as dried food, on July 5. Suspicious X-ray images led to the discovery of heroin concealed in a foam box.
Following investigations, Customs conducted a controlled delivery operation the same day and arrested two consignees in Sham Shui Po. The suspects were a 41-year-old man and a 38-year-old local man, who claimed to be unemployed and a restaurant manager, respectively.
Customs stated that the investigation is ongoing and pledged to step up enforcement against trafficking through intelligence analysis. The department reminded the public not to participate in drug smuggling for monetary gain or accept assignments to carry controlled items.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking carries a maximum penalty of a $5 million fine and life imprisonment. Suspected trafficking can be reported via the 24-hour hotline 182 8080, email crimereport@customs.gov.hk, or online form eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002.
