Two Tanzanians arrested for drug trafficking in Hongkong (total valueof the consignment USD 3.34 Millions)

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (July 25) detected three drug trafficking cases, with seizures totally valued at $4.78 million, in the department's escalated anti-narcotics efforts to combat drugs.

Customs officers at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) intercepted a 26-year-old incoming male passenger arriving from Tanzania for clearance yesterday afternoon and seized 1.6 kilogrammes of heroin concealed in two false compartments of his hand carry briefcase. The drugs would fetch a value of about $1.28 million.

Later in the evening, Customs officers at the HKIA intercepted another 45-year-old man from Tanzania for clearance. On suspicion of concealment of drugs inside his body, the suspect was escorted to hospital where he discharged 204 grammes of heroin after staying for one day. The value of the drugs was about $0.16 million. The suspect is still in the hospital.

In the same evening, Customs officers intercepted a 28-year-old man at a carpark in Tai Kok Tsui. Approximately 2.03 kg of cocaine camouflaged as snacks were found inside a plastic bag carried by him. Customs officers later escorted the suspect to a domestic flat nearby for a search and seized 1 kg of cocaine and 290 grammes of crack cocaine there. The total value of the seizure was about $3.34 million.

A Customs spokesperson said today (July 26) that all three suspects in the three cases were arrested for drug trafficking.

The cases are still under investigation.Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.

Ends/Friday, July 26, 2013
Issued at HKT 23:43