Customs officers first inspected a seaborne consignment at the examination compound on December 9, declared to be carrying ceiling tiles, arriving in Hong Kong from Canada. 

Upon inspection, officers found 40 boxes of ceiling tiles inside the consignment, and the suspected cannabis buds weighing 348 kg were concealed inside the ceiling tiles. 

After a follow-up investigation and controlled delivery operation, customs arrested two men aged 32 and 34 suspected to be connected with the case in San Po Kong.

Customs investigations are ongoing. 

Customs expect the local demand for drugs will increase with Christmas and New Year holidays approaching, adding they will further step up enforcement action to combat drug trafficking activities before the long holidays. 

Customs reminds the public to stay alert not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. 

Officers warned that trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offense. The maximum penalty upon conviction carries a HK$5 million fine and life imprisonment.