Cocaine hidden in jet engine seized

2020-05-27 05:55:05

Customs today announced that it uncovered the first drug trafficking case using an aircraft engine to conceal drugs on May 20.

It seized about 217kg of suspected cocaine with an estimated value of $246 million from the engine located in a seaborne container at Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound.

The amount of cocaine seized in the case is a record high for seaborne cases since 2012.

Through risk assessment and data analysis, customs officers selected the 20-foot container declared to contain an aircraft engine arriving from Ecuador for inspection.

The department then conducted an initial check on the engine in the container with the assistance of Government Flying Service Aircraft engineers.

Officers found multiple suspicious metal components in the middle of the engine.

The drugs were wrapped with soundproof materials and placed in eight metal components.

Trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence, which carries a maximum penalty of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public can report suspected drug trafficking activities by calling 2545 6182 or by sending email.

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