[UPDATED]: Foreigner paid RM1,223 to carry cocaine from Penang to Hong Kong

KUALA LUMPUR: A man from China arrested with 2kg of cocaine at Hong Kong International Airport was allegedly paid RM1,223 to transport the drugs he collected in Penang.

Federal Narcotics Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said the 25-year-old was arrested by Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department on Oct 22 after arriving from Penang on Cathay Pacific flight CX622.

He said preliminary investigations found that the suspect had obtained the drugs from an unidentified person at a supermarket in Penang

"The suspect is believed to have spent three days in Malaysia and was promised a payment of 2,000 renminbi (RM1,223) for his involvement in the drug-related transaction," he said when contacted.

Yesterday, media reports said the man was arrested after customs officers found 2kg of suspected cocaine in his checked luggage.

He was charged with trafficking in dangerous drugs and is scheduled to appear at the West Kowloon magistrate's court.

Under Hong Kong law, drug trafficking carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of HK$5 million upon conviction.

Hussein said checks showed that the suspect's passport was issued only in October and had no other travel records.

He added that the suspect had also made several hotel bookings despite spending only a short time in Malaysia.

"The department will continue to liaise with Hong Kong authorities to obtain further details on the case.

"This includes information on syndicate members who may be operating in Malaysia," he said.