Photo shows the 72 kilograms of suspected cocaine, with an estimated market value of about HK$85 million, that were seized from a Fo Tan industrial building on July 12, 2021. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

HONG KONG -  Hong Kong Customs seized over HK$230 million worth of suspected illegal drugs in a series of anti-narcotics operations from July 12 to 24 in various districts and the Hong Kong International Airport.

In a statement, Hong Kong Customs said the confiscated contraband included 145 kilograms of suspected liquid methamphetamine, 72 kilograms of suspected cocaine and 61 kilograms of suspected heroin. 

Four men and one woman, aged between 31 and 60, were arrested during the operations, according to Hong Kong Customs

Four men and one woman, aged between 31 and 60, were arrested during the operations, it added.

In the first case, Customs officers raided an industrial building in Fo Tan on July 12 and seized about 72 kilograms of suspected cocaine, with an estimated market value of about HK$85 million. The contraband were contained in plastic bottles labeled as healthy food products. 

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A follow-up investigation led to the arrest of a 43-year-old man in Sha Tin on July 15. He was later released on bail pending further investigation.

In the second case, officers at the HKIA inspected an air cargo consignment declared as avocado food oil that arrived from Mexico on July 20. 

Photo shows the 145 kilograms of suspected liquid methamphetamine, with an estimated market value of about $80 million, that were seized at the Hong Kong International Airport on July 20, 2021. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

About 145 kilograms of suspected liquid methamphetamine with an estimated market value of about HK$80 million were seized from 288 glass bottles, each of which carried around 500 grams of the suspected drugs. 

Subsequent investigation resulted in the arrest of a 60-year-old man in Tsing Yi on July 24, Customs said.

In the third case, Customs officers examined a seaborne consignment that was declared as snacks that arrived from Thailand on July 22. 

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Around 61 kilograms of suspected heroin, with an estimated market value of about HK$65 million, were found concealed in instant rice vermicelli seasoning packets. 

Two men and one woman, aged between 31 and 42, were arrested in Kwai Chung on July 23 in a follow-up operation. The arrested persons face one count of attempting to traffic in a dangerous drug and will appear at the Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts on July 26.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offense. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of HK$5 million and life imprisonment.