96 arrested, HK$479 million in drugs seized in Hong Kong police, customs effort
Authorities also warn more non-local air travellers are being recruited for smuggling as part of efforts to confuse investigators
Hong Kong police and customs have arrested 96 people and seized more than HK$479 million (US$61 million) worth of drugs in a months-long joint effort, with authorities warning that an increasing number of mainland Chinese and foreign air passengers are being lured into smuggling narcotics.
Authorities said on Tuesday that the recruitment of non-local air travellers was part of attempts to confuse investigators, with other tactics including arranging convoluted flight routes to target destinations and having drug couriers pick up luggage checked in under another accomplice’s name.
Wong Ngar-lun, group head of airport investigation at the Customs and Excise Department, said that the joint operation ran from June to August to tackle a rising trend of drug trafficking by air passengers after the global pandemic lockdown.
The crackdown also involved collaborations with authorities on the mainland and in 12 overseas jurisdictions, including Singapore.
“A special feature of this operation lies in the unprecedented cooperation between customs and police, as well as close and direct intelligence exchange and collaborative judgment with mainland and overseas counterparts,” Wong said.
Hong Kong authorities uncovered 74 narcotic-related cases and seized 1,219kg (2,687lbs) during the operation.