Nearly 50% rise in drug seizures by Hong Kong customs in first half of year

Hong Kong customs recorded a nearly 50 per cent year-on-year rise in drug seizures during the first half of 2026, driven by notable increases in smuggling activities via air and sea routes.

The Customs and Excise Department confiscated 5,704kg (12,575lbs) of illegal narcotics in the first half, a 49 per cent increase year on year, according to figures seen by the South China Morning Post.

Nearly two-thirds of the seized narcotics, or 3,408kg, were found at the airport, a 46.6 per cent year-on-year increase at that port of entry. Those on sea routes accounted for one-third, or 1,954kg, representing a 55.6 per cent rise. The remaining 342kg were confiscated at land checkpoints and other parts of the city.

Cannabis and ketamine accounted for about 60 per cent of the drugs seized in the first six months, marking a rise of 40 per cent and 78.8 per cent of those substances, respectively. The number of drug cases detected by customs and the number of arrestees also recorded a slight increase.