crime · HK01

Customs arrests woman after ketamine parcel delivery

17 minutes ago2 MIN
Customs arrests woman after ketamine parcel delivery

Summary

Hong Kong Customs said officers arrested a 23-year-old local woman in Kwun Tong on August 25 after a controlled delivery operation tied to a suspicious air parcel. The parcel had arrived from Spain via France and was declared as swimming pool disinfectant, but officers found about 12.4 kilograms of suspected ketamine concealed in four plastic containers, with an estimated market value of more than HK$5 million.

Key Points

  • Customs examined the air cargo parcel at Hong Kong International Airport on August 24 after a risk assessment identified the shipment for inspection.
  • The package had travelled from Spain via France and was declared as swimming pool disinfectant when it arrived in Hong Kong.
  • Officers found the suspected ketamine hidden inside four plastic containers in the parcel, with a total weight of about 12.4 kilograms.
  • The suspected drugs were estimated to carry a black-market or market value of more than HK$5 million, according to Customs.
  • After follow-up inquiries, Customs mounted a controlled delivery on August 25 and arrested a 23-year-old local woman in Kwun Tong.

Why It Matters

The case shows how traffickers may disguise suspected dangerous drugs as ordinary imported goods sent by air cargo into Hong Kong. Customs said the investigation is continuing and reiterated that drug trafficking is a serious offence under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, punishable on conviction by a maximum fine of HK$5 million and life imprisonment.