Hong Kong Customs uncovered a large-scale transnational anti-drug operation and seized 6.1 tons of drugs with a market value of approximately HK$1.4 billion

China News Service, Hong Kong, September 8th. Hong Kong Customs informed on the 8th that from May to August, a large-scale anti-drug operation will be launched at the Hong Kong International Airport, jointly with law enforcement agencies in mainland China and overseas to combat drug smuggling using aviation channels. During the operation, Hong Kong Customs detected a total of 424 cases, arrested 150 people, and seized approximately 6.1 tons of drugs with a market value of approximately HK$1.4 billion.

Hong Kong Customs stated that among the 424 cases uncovered, there were 118 cases in the passenger channel and 306 cases in the freight channel. Among the drugs seized, as much as 3.6 tons of marijuana.

Hong Kong Customs discovered that criminals attempted to use Hong Kong's comprehensive aviation network as a transshipment springboard to manufacture or purchase drugs from sources with a lower market value, and then transship them via Hong Kong to overseas markets with a higher market value in order to make huge profits. In terms of passenger transport, Hong Kong Customs arrested a 23-year-old woman who arrived in Hong Kong from Brazil via Turkey on June 5. Customs officers found 3.4 kilograms of cocaine in two white sculptures she was carrying, with a market value of approximately HK$2.7 million. In terms of freight, customs officers previously seized 131 kilograms of ketamine made into candy shapes in a batch of barrels shipped from Germany to Hong Kong and declared as "candy cubes", with a market value of approximately HK$51 million.

In addition, Hong Kong Customs also conducted a special operation by providing key intelligence to international law enforcement partners, successfully assisting multiple countries in seizing a total of 2.4 tons of cannabis locally, with a market value of approximately HK$500 million, and completely dismantling a large-scale transnational drug trafficking syndicate. It is estimated that it has successfully prevented approximately 4.8 million cannabis smoking behaviors, effectively curbing the flow of drugs into the international market.