Duo arrested at Hong Kong airport over $1.8m cannabis seizure

TWO women – allegedly from Dumfries – have been arrested at a Hong Kong airport after they were caught with about $1.8 million worth of cannabis within their check-in luggage.

Hong Kong Customs arrested two female passengers earlier this month after seizing about ten kilograms of suspected cannabis buds worth about HK$1.8 million.

The women, aged 22 and 29, arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok.

Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds in the checked-in luggage of the 29-year-old passenger. Both were arrested and investigations are ongoing.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, the maximum penalty the pair face if convicted is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office didn’t confirm the reports that the duo are from the town.

They said: “We are supporting two British nationals detained in Thailand are in contact with the local authorities.”

A spokesman for Hong Kong Customs added: “Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return.

“They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

“Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.”