Hong Kong customs seizes crystal meth worth HK$170 million hidden in leather rolls as part of international anti-drug trafficking operation
- Authorities also arrest four people in connection with shipment from Mexico containing 240kg of narcotic
- Street value of haul could be three to four times higher if sold in Australia, Superintendent Henry Fong from customs says
An international anti-drug trafficking operation between Hong Kong and overseas law enforcement agencies has led to the seizure of suspected crystal meth worth HK$170 million (US$26.7 million) from Mexico bound for Australia and the arrest of four people, customs has revealed.
Customs officers on Monday said they confiscated 240kg (529lbs) of the drug in the city, which was concealed in synthetic leather rolls. Three local residents were also arrested on Thursday and Friday last week.
The transnational operation also led Australian authorities to arrest a 28-year-old man in Sydney last Wednesday.
Superintendent Henry Fong Heung-wing of customs’ drug investigation bureau said the street value of the haul would have surged two to three times if it had been sold in Australia.
The amount marked the largest single seizure of illegal drugs in terms of value by customs this year, he added.
He said investigations with overseas law enforcement agencies were ongoing and further arrests had not been ruled out.