Hong Kong Customs Seizes $46 Million Worth of Ketamine, Arrests Two Individuals
In a major drug bust, the Hong Kong Customs department has seized approximately 100 kilograms of ketamine and 3.5kg of etomidate with an estimated market value of about $46 million.
According to reports, the seizure was made on June 19, when customs officers inspected an air cargo consignment from the Netherlands declared as water-based primer paint arriving at Hong Kong International Airport. Suspicious X-ray images were detected, leading to the discovery of ketamine concealed in a batch of paint cans.
Two individuals, aged 63 and 28, were arrested during a controlled delivery operation on June 22 in Kwun Tong. Further investigation led to the seizure of an additional parcel suspected to be connected with the case, containing etomidate, at an express centre in Yuen Long today (June 23).
The maximum penalty for trafficking in a dangerous drug is life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance.
This incident highlights Hong Kong Customs' ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department urges members of the public to stay alert and report any suspected illicit activities to their 24-hour hotline, 182 8080.
**Background**
Hong Kong has been actively enforcing laws against drug trafficking and cigarette smuggling in recent months. In related news, two women were sentenced today (June 23) for importing/possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes, with one receiving three months' imprisonment and a fine of $1,000, and the other six weeks' imprisonment and a fine of $2,000.
The Hong Kong Customs department has been cracking down on illicit activities, including drug trafficking and cigarette smuggling. This latest seizure is part of their ongoing efforts to protect public health and safety.