[Explanation] On July 22, the Hong Kong Customs announced that in the first half of 2020, the Hong Kong Customs seized about 1.6 tons of suspected drugs from passenger and cargo channels at the Hong Kong International Airport, with a total value of up to 664 million Hong Kong dollars.
[Explanation] Liu Qinglong, supervisor of the Air Cargo Section of the Hong Kong Customs Airport Branch, said that in the first quarter of this year, the drug smuggling cases uncovered by the customs were similar to those in the same period in 2019; however, due to the impact of the new crown pneumonia epidemic, the passenger traffic at Hong Kong's airport has decreased since March More than 90% of criminals attempted to smuggle drugs by means of express and freight. The increase in the number of cases seized by the customs has increased significantly compared with the same period last year.
[Concurrent] Liu Qinglong, Supervisor, Air Cargo Section, Airport Branch, Hong Kong Customs
The total amount of cargo and passenger traffic is added together. The customs has cracked 409 suspected drug cases at the airport in the first half of the year. The weight of the drug involved is 1.6 tons, and the market value exceeds 660 million Hong Kong dollars. The value of this case has increased by 35% compared with the same period in 2019, and the weight (seized) has more than doubled compared with the same period of the previous year.
[Explanation] Customs staff demonstrated some methods of drug smuggling on the spot. Some used three-dimensional handicrafts to hide drugs, some used rubber boats to hide drugs, and others contained drugs in packaging cartons, milk powder cans, and coffee beans. The relevant person in charge stated that the Hong Kong Customs has always monitored the development of the situation, continuously intensified supervision, and unswervingly cracked down on illegal smuggling.
[Concurrent] Liu Qinglong, Supervisor, Air Cargo Section, Airport Branch, Hong Kong Customs
Entering Hong Kong illegally, exporting from Hong Kong, acquiring, supplying, manufacturing, operating, or handling dangerous drugs are all criminal offences. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment and a fine of 5 million yuan. The customs would like to appeal to the public, especially young friends, not to be used by criminals during the summer vacation and not to try the law.
[Explanation] According to reports, in the first half of 2020, the drugs seized by Hong Kong Customs are mainly cocaine, methamphetamine and ketamine. Among them, the main sources of cocaine and ketamine are Europe, and the main sources of methamphetamine and cannabis are Southeast Asia and North America.
Reporter Jean Baokui reports from Hong Kong
Editor in charge: [Li Yuxin]