Hong Kong police seize HK$22 million of cocaine in car boot, uncovering gangs’ storage tactic
- Drug-trafficking syndicates have recently been using vehicles as mobile storage facilities to evade detection, the force says
Hong Kong drug-trafficking syndicates are using vehicles as mobile storage facilities to evade detection, police have revealed after discovering HK$22 million (US$2.8 million) worth of narcotics hidden in the boot of a car in the New Territories.
Senior Inspector Ho Ho-ting of the narcotics bureau said on Monday that a man, 31, and his girlfriend, 19, were arrested after officers found illegal drugs stored in a vehicle at an outdoor car park in Tai Hang Village in Tai Po.
The pair were intercepted for a stop-and-search at the Shek Wu Hui area of Sheung Shui on Saturday.
“In the car park, officers seized 29kg [64lbs] of suspected cocaine in the boot of a private car,” Ho said. “The seized drugs have an estimated street value of HK$22 million.”
Police said the pair were being held 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 Monday morning, the suspects were still being held for questioning.
