This photo released by the government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Dec 19, 2023 shows the suspected liquid cocaine and suspected ketamine seized by Hong Kong Customs on Dec 17, 2023 at Hong Kong International Airport. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

HONG KONG – A woman and a man were arrested on Sunday for trafficking suspected cocaine and ketamine worth HK$36 million ($4.6 million) at the Hong Kong International Airport.

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The arrestees – a 20-year-old female passenger and a 21-year-old male passenger – flew in from Milan, Italy, via Helsinki, Finland, according to Hong Kong Customs.

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During customs clearance, about 22 kilograms of suspected liquid cocaine and about 25kg of suspected ketamine were found in 22 cans of canned food, 17 food packaging boxes and two gift boxes inside their check-in suitcases. 

The duo were subsequently arrested, the Customs said in a statement.

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Each of the two arrestees has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. 

The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts on Wednesday, added the statement.