Two Hong Kong cocaine arrests linked to Penang as police reveal details of first case

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 — A 25-year-old Chinese national arrested in Hong Kong with 2kg of suspected cocaine allegedly obtained the drugs from an unknown individual at a Penang supermarket, police announced today. The suspect, who arrived in Hong Kong from Penang via Cathay Pacific on October 22, was discovered with the suspected cocaine in his checked luggage during customs checks.

According to Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department Director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan, the suspect had spent three days in Malaysia and was promised RMB2,000 (approximately RM1,200) for the drug transport. Hussein noted that the suspect's passport was issued this month, with no travel history prior to this incident.

Police also found multiple hotel bookings made by the suspect while allegedly only spending a short time in Malaysia. The Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department plans to collaborate with Hong Kong authorities to gather more information, including details on any syndicate members potentially based in Malaysia. This incident is one of at least two suspected cocaine smuggling cases involving Chinese nationals arriving in Hong Kong from Penang in recent days.

Yesterday, Hong Kong Customs announced the arrest of a 39-year-old Chinese man who was found with 2.2kg of suspected cocaine, valued at HK$1.3 million, in his cabin baggage.