17-year-old Hongkonger arrested for allegedly trafficking HK$3 million in ketamine, crack cocaine

Stop-and-search in Cheung Sha Wan leads customs officers to haul of suspected ketamine and crack cocaine, as well as drug packaging tools

Teen suspect arrested over trafficking in a dangerous drug, with police earlier warning young people over dangers of being lured into narcotics trade

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A 17-year-old suspect is in custody. Customs says his flat was being used a drug storage and distribution centre. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 4:07pm, 19 Apr 2024Updated: 10:40pm, 19 Apr 2024

A Hong Kong teenager has been arrested for allegedly trafficking HK$3 million (US$383,000) worth of suspected ketamine and crack cocaine.

Investigator Matthew Shum of the Customs and Excise Department said on Thursday officers stopped and searched the 17-year-old near Cheung Sha Wan on Wednesday, finding four grams of suspected crack cocaine.

Police arrested the teenager and took him to his flat for further investigation.

Shum said officers found 5.5kg (12lbs) of suspected ketamine at the residence, as well as 10 grams of suspected crack cocaine and drug packaging tools, with an estimated value of HK$3 million.

Customs suspected the teenager, who said he was unemployed, was responsible for packing and distributing the drugs.

Customs displays evidence seized in the case. Trafficking in a dangerous drug is punishable by up to life in prison and a HK$5 million fine. Photo: Dickson Lee

Customs suspected the residence was being used as a drug storage and distribution centre, with the narcotics set to be supplied to the West Kowloon area.