Filipina in HK accused of smuggling 1.8 kilos of drugs

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Filipina in HK accused of smuggling 1.8 kilos of drugs
A customs report said the woman arrived from Manila on February 2. Upon baggage examination, Customs officers found cocaine inside her suitcase


HONG KONG – A Filipina tourist is facing drug trafficking charges after being arrested by airport customs officers while apparently trying to smuggle 1.8 kilograms of suspected cocaine at Hong Kong International Airport on February 2. 

Hong Kong Customs said the seized illegal drug has a street value of HK$1.7 million (US$219,000).

Officials at the Philippine Consulate General said the woman, who they declined to name, is 29 years old and was supposed to come here for a brief visit. She appeared in court earlier this week. 

Vice Consul Charles Macaspac said the woman had already been extended consular services.

A customs report said the woman arrived from Manila on February 2. Upon baggage examination, Customs officers found a briefcase inside her hand-carried suitcase.

Officers checked the briefcase further after noticing it was abnormally heavy, and found false compartments that yielded 1.8 kilos of suspected cocaine.

The woman, aged 29, would be charged with one count of trafficking of a dangerous drug, Customs said.

She was originally scheduled to appear in Tsuen Wan Magistrates’ Courts on February 4, but that was postponed indefinitely, as she was taken to hospital after she complained she was not feeling well.

Drug trafficking is a serious offence in Hong Kong that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of HK$5 million (US$614,000).

Hong Kong Customs said it would keep track of the latest drugs trafficking trend and formulate pertinent anti-narcotics enforcement strategies.

Last December, another Filipina maid was arrested at Hong Kong airport for possession of at least two kilos of cocaine worth HK$2 million (US$258,000) allegedly hidden in her bag and her waist. The helper, identified as Monica Eden, applied for bail after her arrest on December 4 but the High Court rejected her application. – Rappler.com 

This story is republished with permission from The Sun-HK, a content partner of Rappler

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