KUALA LUMPUR: A foreigner was arrested at Hong Kong International Airport today after customs officers found 2.2kg of suspected cocaine in his cabin baggage.
This is the second arrest involving suspected drug smuggling from Penang to Hong Kong, following the arrest of a 25-year-old foreigner last Thursday.
In a statement today, the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department said the suspected cocaine had an estimated market value of HK$1.3 million (RM700,000).
The 39-year-old suspect arrived in Hong Kong from Penang and was arrested during a customs inspection at the airport, the statement said.
"An examination of his cabin baggage found a quantity of suspected cocaine, leading to his arrest.
"The suspect was subsequently charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case is expected to be brought before the West Kowloon magistrate's court tomorrow," the statement said.
Hong Kong Customs said it would step up efforts to combat drug trafficking through information sharing, intelligence and risk-based enforcement, including screening passengers arriving from high-risk areas.
Hong Kong's Dangerous Drugs Ordinance provides for a maximum fine of HK$5 million and life imprisonment for drug trafficking.
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