Latest KL-linked drug bust sees Hong Kong customs find 1kg of suspected cocaine in shoes

On November 7, Hong Kong customs officers apprehended a 36-year-old Hong Kong man at Hong Kong International Airport after discovering approximately 1kg of suspected cocaine concealed within his shoes. The New Straits Times (NST) reported that this arrest is the most recent in a series of incidents involving passengers arriving from Kuala Lumpur.

Hong Kong Customs officials revealed that the man was apprehended following a customs inspection of arriving passengers at the airport, where they allegedly found the illicit drugs hidden within his footwear. The seized drugs, estimated to have a street value of HK$600,000 (RM310,817), are currently under investigation. The authorities stated that the man was detained during a routine customs check of incoming passengers.

This latest seizure contributes to a pattern of similar cases linked to flights originating from Kuala Lumpur. According to NST, two other incidents involving the seizure of roughly 1kg of suspected cocaine each occurred in July, while on May 17, two travelers were detained after officers allegedly recovered 820g and 800g of the drug from their shoes in separate cases.

In response to these occurrences, authorities have cautioned travelers against attempting to transport controlled substances or other prohibited items in exchange for financial incentives. In Hong Kong, drug trafficking offenses are punishable by up to life imprisonment and a fine of HK$5 million upon conviction.