Three suspects arrested over HK$125m cannabis haul

Three people have been arrested in what authorities claim is the largest ever case of cannabis trafficking via a seaborne shipment, according to Customs officials. The operation, which began on September 2, resulted in the seizure of approximately 535 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds, valued at around HK$125 million. Customs officials acted on a tip-off that led them to a shipping container containing 1,340 cooler boxes.

Upon examination, they discovered that 364 of the boxes were vacuum-sealed with the suspected drug. The suspect plan involved wrapping the cannabis buds in multiple layers of plastic bags and vacuum-sealing them to mask their strong odor. Customs believes the syndicate had entrusted a local shipping firm to handle the declaration, aiming to conceal the identities of the senders and recipients.

The syndicate waited weeks before picking up the shipment on Thursday, according to Kwok Tsun-ah, a divisional commander from the drug investigation bureau. Following the arrest, two suspects were granted bail pending further investigation, while the third is set to face charges of attempting to traffic in a dangerous drug at Kowloon City Magistrates Court on Monday.

Customs has noted an upward trend in drug seizures since 2024, with the amount having risen from around 2,800 kilograms to over 3,500 kilograms so far this year. They have urged the logistics sector to remain vigilant against potential drug trafficking through their services and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.