Ketamine Seizure at Hong Kong International Airport

Customs officers at Hong Kong International Airport detected a case of internal concealment involving a passenger arriving from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The 32-year-old female passenger, upon examination, was found to have concealed about 90 grams of ketamine, estimated to be worth approximately $40,000. This seizure is a significant example of the ongoing efforts by Hong Kong Customs to combat transnational drug trafficking activities. An investigation is currently ongoing, and the passenger faces serious penalties under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance.

Key Takeaways:

• The passenger, a 32-year-old female, was arriving from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, when customs officers suspected she had concealed drugs.
• Upon examination, a doctor confirmed that foreign objects were hidden inside her body cavity, and she was arrested immediately.
• The seized ketamine weighed approximately 90 grams and had an estimated market value of $40,000.
• Customs applied a risk assessment approach to select passengers from high-risk regions for clearance.
• The investigation into the case is ongoing, and the passenger faces significant penalties under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance.
• The maximum penalty for trafficking in a dangerous drug in Hong Kong is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
• Customs encourages the public to report suspected drug trafficking activities through its 24-hour hotline (182 8080) or email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

Statistics:

• Weight of seized ketamine: approximately 90 grams
• Estimated market value of seized ketamine: $40,000
• Maximum penalty for trafficking in a dangerous drug: fine of $5 million and life imprisonment
• Timeline of the incident: the passenger arrived at the airport on October 29 and was arrested on the same day; as of 6pm on October 30, the passenger had discharged seven pellets of ketamine

Sources:

• Security Bureau of the Hong Kong Government (no date listed)
• Hong Kong Customs (no date listed)