Hong Kong police seize HK$475 million worth of cocaine after raiding 2 flats
- Force says it found 600kg of the substance in private flats, warns landlords to be vigilant of those in a hurry to rent
Police in Hong Kong have busted a drug ring, seizing HK$475 million (US$61 million) worth of cocaine in two private flats, while warning landlords to be vigilant of those rushing to rent due to the risk of such tenants using the property for drug storage and trafficking.
In a press conference on Monday, the force said it had confiscated 600kg (1,323lbs) and arrested two people, including a 27-year-old local man in Lok Ma Chau over the weekend.
It added the man, who claimed to be unemployed, had been slapped with dangerous drug trafficking charges.
His arrest came after officers found a Tuen Mun private residential estate flat was being used as a drug storage facility by a syndicate, following the discovery of 204kg of suspected cocaine worth around HK$175 million inside.
“We believe the storage facility had only been in use for around half a month,” said Senior Inspector Adam Tong Wai-kwok of the force’s narcotics bureau.
“[The suspect] was lured by drug trafficking groups with the promise of cash, and decided to take the risk of working with a criminal group.
“Under their instructions, he rented this unit and also took on the responsibilities of warehouse management and drug delivery.”
