Greek model Eirini Melissaropoulou, 21, denies smuggling HK$2.3 million worth of cocaine into Hong Kong in 2017
- Seven-day jury trial continues in the High Court on Friday
- Melissaropoulou has been held in custody since her arrest, after a customs official noticed her suitcase was unusually heavy
The High Court case of a Greek model accused of smuggling cocaine into Hong Kong in 2017 opened on Thursday, with the 21-year-old defendant denying any role in drug trafficking.
Prosecutors started the seven-day jury trial by accusing Eirini Melissaropoulou of knowingly carrying 2.52kg (5.5lbs) of cocaine in a hidden pocket sewn into her backpack when she arrived in the city from Ethiopia on November 20, 2017.
Melissaropoulou denied the charges and entered a plea of not guilty. She has been held at a Hong Kong correctional facility since her arrest.
Prosecutor Phillip Ross said Melissaropoulou was intercepted at Hong Kong International Airport when a customs officer noticed her pushing a luggage cart with a black backpack placed on a red suitcase.
The suitcase was said to be heavier than normal, according to Ross, and the backpack had unusually thick padding. Ross said the officer noticed stitching in the padding that looked suspicious and decided to cut open the bag.