HONG KONG — Police have seized approximately 225 kilograms (496 pounds) of suspected cocaine during a raid at a warehouse in Ta Kwu Ling, leading to the arrest of two men. Authorities estimate the market value of the seized narcotics at HK$204 million (USD $26 million).
The suspected cocaine was concealed within containers purportedly carrying scrap iron, which had been shipped from Suriname, a country in South America. The bust took place on Friday in Ping Che, a village in the New Territories.
Superintendent Wilson Tam provided details during a Sunday press briefing, explaining that the drug-trafficking syndicate had allegedly employed truck workers, who were likely unaware of their involvement, to help dismantle around 40 tonnes of scrap iron from the containers. The syndicate, Tam said, had been supervising the unloading process.
“Subsequently, our officers conducted the raid, and we found two workers and arrested the other two suspected members of the drug syndicate,” Tam stated.
The arrested men, aged 22 and 29, face charges of trafficking in dangerous drugs. They are scheduled to appear before Fanling Magistrates’ Courts on Monday.
Tam further disclosed that intelligence suggested the suspected drugs were intended to be stored in Hong Kong temporarily before being distributed to other countries.
This significant seizure highlights ongoing efforts by Hong Kong authorities to combat international drug trafficking operations that use the city as a transit point.
