HK Customs seizes suspected cocaine worth 2.56 mln HK dollars

Hong Kong Customs Wednesday arrested an incoming female passenger at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 2.4 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about 2.56 million Hong Kong dollars (about 0.33 million U.S. dollars).

The woman arrived at Hong Kong from Bolivia via Brazil and Ethiopia. During Customs clearance, X-ray check revealed suspicious images inside the woman's check-in luggage. Subsequent in-depth examination led to the discovery of suspected cocaine inside the false compartment of the handbag and two liquor bottles placed inside the luggage.

The arrested woman, aged 26 and declared as a technician, was charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. She will appear at Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Courts on Thursday.

Under Hong Kong's Dangerous Drug Ordinance, the maximum penalty for drug trafficking is life imprisonment and a fine of 5 million Hong Kong dollars.