Hong Kong seizes HK$1.4b suspected drugs over summer as traffickers target students

Hong Kong customs has smashed an international drug trafficking network over the summer, seizing 6.1 tonnes of suspected narcotics worth more than HK$1.4 billion (US$178.5 million) and arresting 150 people as syndicates actively recruited students during the holiday period.

Acting head of the Customs and Excise Department’s drug investigation bureau Wong Ngar-lun said on Tuesday that real-time intelligence exchanges with overseas law enforcement agencies helped dismantle complex, multilayered smuggling routes before the narcotics could reach local or global markets.

“During the summer break, many students travel abroad after sitting for public exams or during their school holidays. Criminal syndicates take advantage of this period to exploit and mislead young people, particularly students, into cross-border drug trafficking,” said Wong.

“In response, Hong Kong customs launched a joint operation with various mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies between May and August this year, targeting syndicates that attempt to smuggle drugs in and out of Hong Kong via air passenger and cargo channels.”

Wong said the operation uncovered 424 cases – 118 involving passengers and 306 through cargo – and led to the seizure of 6.1 tonnes (13,448 lbs) of suspected drugs.

Cannabis accounted for almost 60 per cent of the haul, or 3.6 tonnes, followed by 2.2 tonnes of ketamine, which made up 36 per cent. The remainder included cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and Ecstasy.