Customs officers seized almost HK$2 million (US$255,000) worth of suspected cocaine at Hong Kong International Airport from a 31-year-old man arriving from Ethiopia, who allegedly stowed the drug in a hidden compartment of his hand luggage.
The man, who faces a maximum fine of HK$5 million and potential life imprisonment under the city’s drug laws, was arrested yesterday after officers discovered about 1.95 kilograms of the substance in his bag.
In a statement, Hong Kong Customs said the suspect, who arrived from the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa on an afternoon flight, had a slab of suspected cocaine hidden in a false compartment in his carry-on bag.
Police are continuing the investigation.
According to customs department figures, officers handled 762 dangerous drug cases last year, which led to 328 arrests and the seizure of narcotics valued at some HK$432 million (about US$55 million).
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