Two mainland men charged after airport cannabis seizures
Bastillepost · 3 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong Customs said it uncovered two separate inbound drug trafficking cases at Hong Kong International Airport on October 11, with a combined seizure of about 9.8 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds. The drugs were estimated to be worth about HK$1.98 million, although one report put the figure at about HK$1.97 million. The two arrested travellers, both mainland Chinese men arriving from Bangkok on different itineraries, have each been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. They were scheduled to appear at West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts on October 13.
Key Points
- In the first case, a 30-year-old mainland male traveller flew from Bangkok to Hong Kong on October 11 and was stopped during customs clearance.
- Customs officers found about 4.3 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds inside his carry-on baggage and arrested him at the airport.
- In the second case, a 36-year-old mainland male traveller arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok via Vietnam on the same day.
- Officers discovered about 5.5 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds in two checked suitcases belonging to the second traveller.
- Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug carries a maximum penalty of a HK$5 million fine and life imprisonment upon conviction.
Why It Matters
The cases show continued enforcement attention on passengers arriving from routes treated as higher risk for cross-border drug trafficking. For Hong Kong travellers, the arrests are also a reminder that carrying controlled items for others can lead to serious criminal charges and potentially the heaviest penalties under local drug laws.