Hong Kong Customs seized on Sunday a total of about 20 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with a total estimated market value of about HK$4 million ($509,563) in two separate drug trafficking cases involving baggage concealment at the city’s airport.

The first case involved a non-local 35-year-old male passenger arriving from Bangkok, Thailand, on Sunday. During customs clearance, suspected cannabis buds, weighing about 10kg in total, were found inside his check-in suitcase. The man was subsequently arrested.

The second case involved a non-local 48-year-old male passenger who also arrived from Bangkok on the same day. A total of about 10kg of suspected cannabis buds were seized in the passenger‘s check-in suitcase during customs clearance. He was also subsequently arrested.

The two arrested persons have each been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The cases would be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Court on Monday.

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.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Customs reminded members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return.

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“They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people,” the spokesperson said.