Hong Kong and Malaysian police arrest 5, seize HK$8.3 million in drugs smuggled into city using plaster sculptures

Hong Kong police officers arrest two in Tseung Kwan O, later charging them with drug trafficking after seizing suspected heroin and crack cocaine

In Kuala Lumpur, police also uncover suspected narcotics and intercept three other people, including one Hongkonger

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Hong Kong police say the estimated street value of the 10.5kg haul from Friday’s operation was about HK$8.3 million. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 4:02pm, 8 Jan 2024Updated: 5:50pm, 8 Jan 2024

Hong Kong and Malaysian police have arrested five people and seized HK$8.3 million (US$1.1 million) worth of illegal drugs in a joint operation targeting an international crime syndicate that allegedly smuggled narcotics into the city using plaster sculptures.

Hong Kong police on Monday said the force’s narcotics bureau mounted the joint operation after uncovering a scheme involving “drug parcels disguised as plaster sculptures” being smuggled into the city from Malaysia.

In Hong Kong, officers arrested a 25-year-old man at King Lam Estate in Tseung Kwan O after seizing five packs of suspected crack cocaine with a combined weight of 2.4 grams (0.08 ounces) and one pack of suspected heroin on Friday last week.

Hong Kong police headquarters in Wan Chai. Trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence in the city, punishable by up to life in jail and a HK$5 million fine. Photo: Warton Li

In a follow-up raid on his home in the district, officers seized 10 slabs of suspected heroin that weighed a total of 3.5kg (7.7lbs).

Police said officers also apprehended a 25-year-old woman in the flat.

On the same day, Malaysian police intercepted two men and a woman outside a hotel in Kuala Lumpur. The operation resulted in the seizure of 20 slabs of suspected heroin weighing 7kg and packaging equipment.

The force said the three suspects arrested in Malaysia included a 25-year-old Hong Kong man.