Hong Kong Customs has uncovered a major drug trafficking case involving the concealment of narcotics inside the underwater compartment of an ocean-going vessel. During the operation, Hong Kong Customs officers seized on November 5 about 417 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value about $256m and arrested two men.
This marked the first drug trafficking case for Hong Kong customs officers where an underwater compartment of an ocean-going vessel was used for drug concealment.
Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, Hong Kong Customs identified an ocean-going vessel and suspected that criminals were utilising its underwater hull structure to conceal drugs and formulated enforcement actions.
On November 5, the ocean-going vessel that departed from Brazil was selected for underwater inspection, and 11 bags of suspected cocaine, weighing about 417kg in total, were found in an underwater compartment.
After a follow-up investigation, Hong Kong Customs officers arrested two men, aged 45 and 37, who were suspected of being involved in the case.
The two arrested men have been released pending further investigation. Customs said the investigation is ongoing and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
With the Christmas and New Year holidays approaching, Hong Kong Customs will step up enforcement action to resolutely combat different kinds of drug trafficking activities before the long holidays.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5m and life imprisonment.
