Hong Kong Customs arrested a 28-year-old woman at the airport after X-ray screening revealed 10 kilograms of cannabis buds hidden in her checked luggage. The haul, valued at HK $2 million, was the largest cannabis seizure involving a passenger this quarter.
Customs said it is applying a “risk-based” approach that focuses on flights from jurisdictions where cannabis is legal or decriminalised, warning travellers not to carry items for third parties. The suspect has been charged with trafficking under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance and will appear before West Kowloon Magistrates’ Court on 23 October.
The incident highlights the continued strictness of Hong Kong’s drug laws despite liberalisation elsewhere. Employers should brief relocating staff and visitors that possession of cannabis products – including CBD – remains punishable by life imprisonment.
Customs noted that intelligence-led passenger profiling has intercepted five cannabis cases since July, suggesting sustained vigilance ahead of the Christmas travel peak.
Customs said it is applying a “risk-based” approach that focuses on flights from jurisdictions where cannabis is legal or decriminalised, warning travellers not to carry items for third parties. The suspect has been charged with trafficking under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance and will appear before West Kowloon Magistrates’ Court on 23 October.
The incident highlights the continued strictness of Hong Kong’s drug laws despite liberalisation elsewhere. Employers should brief relocating staff and visitors that possession of cannabis products – including CBD – remains punishable by life imprisonment.
Customs noted that intelligence-led passenger profiling has intercepted five cannabis cases since July, suggesting sustained vigilance ahead of the Christmas travel peak.
