Triad-linked drug traffickers offer cash, free Europe air travel and hotel stay to lure young mules into smuggling to Hong Kong, police say
- Police reveal tactic following arrest of beautician, 25, on suspicion of trafficking HK$8.1 million worth of cocaine into the city from Switzerland
- Drugs concealed in skincare products, food packaging items, and a book in her luggage, police say
A triad-controlled drug-trafficking syndicate has been luring young people into smuggling narcotics into Hong Kong from Europe by offering cash rewards, free air travel and hotel accommodation as bait, police have said.
Inspector Lui Long-ching of the Tseung Kwan O anti-triad squad revealed this tactic on Wednesday following the arrest of a 25-year-old woman on suspicion of trafficking HK$8.1 million (US$1,035,600) worth of cocaine into the city from Switzerland.
The woman, a beautician, was intercepted at Hong Kong International Airport upon her return on Tuesday after a 10-day tour to Switzerland.
Authorities found drugs concealed in skincare products, food packaging items, and a book in her luggage, police said.
“In a follow-up inspection, officers found 14 packages of cocaine hidden in a secret compartment of the luggage,” Lui said.
He said the 8kg haul had an estimated street value of HK$8.1 million.
The woman was detained on suspicion of trafficking in a dangerous drug – an offence punishable by up to life in prison and a HK$5 million fine.
As of Wednesday afternoon, she was still being held for questioning. Police said further arrests were possible as the investigation continued.
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Police said a triad gang had been recruiting young people into the drug trade using quick cash and free air travel to Europe as incentives.
“Drug dealers paid as much as hundreds of thousands of Hong Kong dollars as a cash reward along with free air travel and hotel accommodation to lure youngsters into smuggling narcotics into the city,” Lui said.
He said the drug dealers provided youths with assurances, saying that the narcotics were carefully concealed in skincare products or hidden in secret compartments of luggage, making it difficult for law enforcers to discover.
“As a result, they become scapegoats for drug dealers,” the inspector warned.
