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Saturday, Feb 22, 2025
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Customs seized HK$130m worth of cocaine in shipping container, biggest hard drug bust of year
Hong Kong Customs have made their largest seizure of dangerous drugs this year, seizing a total of 80 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of HK$130 million.
A 53-year-old man, who customs officer said was a freight forwarder has been arrested.
Customs said they have received a tip from foreign law enforcement early this year, saying drug cartels might make use of frozen fruits as a disguise for drug trafficking into Asia, therefore stepping up inspections on relevant shipping containers.
It was said that the suspected cocaine was stored in a shipping container with frozen grapes from Peru. A total of 67 blocks of suspected cocaine were placed inside two nylon bags just right beside the containers’ doors.
The Customs believe the drugs were destined for the mainland market, which the drugs will first be brought into Hong Kong and transit to the mainland by land, according to a Customs spokesman.
In Hong Kong, trafficking in dangerous drugs carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a HK$5 million fine.
Customs said they have received a tip from foreign law enforcement early this year, saying drug cartels might make use of frozen fruits as a disguise for drug trafficking into Asia, therefore stepping up inspections on relevant shipping containers.
It was said that the suspected cocaine was stored in a shipping container with frozen grapes from Peru. A total of 67 blocks of suspected cocaine were placed inside two nylon bags just right beside the containers’ doors.
The Customs believe the drugs were destined for the mainland market, which the drugs will first be brought into Hong Kong and transit to the mainland by land, according to a Customs spokesman.
In Hong Kong, trafficking in dangerous drugs carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a HK$5 million fine.
