Hong Kong customs confiscates cannabis buds worth HK$115 million, marking largest in-town seizure of drug

Follow-up investigations led officers to arrest the director of a logistics company in connection with the case, according to assistant superintendent Dennis Lau Wai-lung of customs’ drug investigation bureau.

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The 57-year-old suspect apprehended in his home in the New Territories was granted bail pending further investigation, Lau said.

Customs began investigating the narcotics haul after receiving intelligence last month. Officers from the bureau raided the warehouse and discovered the drug on February 26.

“The narcotic was found hidden in 140 boxes that were mixed with 390 other boxes carrying electronic products such as air purifiers,” Lau said, adding that it was an apparent move to avoid detection.

He said the estimated street value of the seized drugs was about HK$115 million, and it was the largest in-town seizure of cannabis buds made by customs.

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“We believe most of the seized drugs were for local consumption, while the rest was destined for overseas,” Lau said.

He said the investigation into the origin of the haul, the smuggling route and the consignee was still under way and further arrests were possible.

In Hong Kong, trafficking in a dangerous drug is punishable by up to life in prison and a HK$5 million fine.