Nearly 50% rise in drug seizures by Hong Kong customs in first half of year

Hong Kong customs experienced a substantial increase in drug seizures during the first half of 2026, with a nearly 50 percent rise year-over-year. According to the Custom and Excise Department, they confiscated 5,704 kilograms (12,575 pounds) of illicit narcotics in the first half, up from 3,823 kilograms (8,436 pounds) in the same period last year.

Notably, 46.6 percent of the seized drugs were found at the airport, a 46.6 percent increase compared to the previous year. Three-fourths of the drugs, or 4,354 kilograms, were discovered via air and sea routes, while 342 kilograms were seized at land checkpoints and other parts of the city. Cannabis and ketamine together accounted for nearly 60 percent of the drugs seized in the first half, with a 40 percent and 78.8 percent increase in those substances, respectively.

The Customs and Excise Department also noted an uptick in the number of detected drug cases and arrested individuals in the first half. A senior customs official stated that the rise in maritime seizures was largely due to larger quantities found in fewer cases, as sea routes enable smugglers to diversify risk and transport larger amounts.

Furthermore, air travel remains the primary driver of drug seizures, with a 35.7 percent year-on-year increase in cases involving air passengers. The officer predicted that smugglers would adjust their methods in response to enforcement efforts, and customs plans to monitor and adapt accordingly. They also expect an increase in cannabis seizures due to the legalization of the drug in certain countries and a growing global user base, with the majority of seized cannabis originating from Thailand and North America.