Alleged Hong Kong drugs smuggler charged after sting nets HK$16 million in cannabis buds stashed in cornflakes cartons and instant noodles

Customs officers say three arrested after cannabis found in container from Thailand, but drugs delivered to warehouse for collection as part of sting

Inspector Lai Tsz-hong says ‘criminals put a lot of effort into concealing suspected cannabis buds in food packaging’ to avoid detection

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(From left) Customs officers Lai Tsz-hong and Jacky Yau display a HK$16 million haul of cannabis buds. Photo: Jelly Tse

Published: 7:20pm, 16 May 2024Updated: 11:43pm, 16 May 2024

Hong Kong customs officers have arrested three men and seized HK$16 million (US$2.04 million) worth of cannabis buds hidden in a shipment of cornflakes and instant noodles from Thailand.

Customs and Excise Department officials said on Thursday that the trio were snared after a container, said to contain food products, was checked at the services’ Kwai Chung cargo examination centre.

Inspector Lai Tsz-hong of the department’s containerised cargo examination division said the shipment was selected for inspection because “the sender and receiver of the shipment are logistics firms, but their registered addresses were residential premises and they did not have any cargo shipment record recently.”

A strong smell of cannabis was noticeable when the container was opened for inspection and a carton of cornflakes was identified as the source.

Part of a haul of cannabis buds found hidden in packets of cornflakes and instant noodles by customs officers. Photo: Jelly Tse

Lai said seven other cartons appeared suspicious when X-rayed and more drugs were found. They were said to contain cornflakes and instant noodles.