In the light of local demand for drugs during the long holidays, a special operation has been mounted from November 1 to today (Dec 10) to combat party drug trafficking activities.

About 52,000 tablets of suspected ecstasy and about 153 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds were seized in 11 party drug trafficking cases.

Three men suspected to be in connection with the cases were arrested.

During the operation, Customs cracked 10 cases of ecstasy trafficking through parcels at air cargo terminals and in town. About 52,000 tablets of suspected ecstasy, with an estimated market value of about HK$3 million, were seized.

A 24-year-old man suspected to be connected to the case was arrested.

Customs officers on December 6 also inspected a seaborne consignment, declared to be carrying oats, arriving in Hong Kong from Canada at the Tsing Yi Customs Examination Compound.

About 108kg of suspected cannabis buds, with an estimated market value of about HK$23 million, were seized inside a batch of oat packaging boxes. A 25-year-old man suspected to be connected to the case in Tsuen Wan has been arrested two days later.

After follow-up investigation, Customs officers smashed a drug storage center in Tuen Mun on the same day and further seized about 45kg of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about HK$10 million. A 43-year-old man suspected to be connected to the case was arrested.

Investigation is ongoing and one of the arrested men has been released on bail pending further investigation.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of HK$5 million and life imprisonment.