Customs officials in Hong Kong recently detained three travelers, including a Malaysian man, accused of smuggling an assortment of illegal drugs with an estimated worth over HK$9 million (US$1.16 million) in separate incidents at the local airport.

The Customs and Excise Department reported on Wednesday that during inspections at the Hong Kong International Airport the previous day, officers confiscated approximately 4.5kg (9.9lbs) of what is believed to be liquid cocaine and around 12kg of a substance suspected to be ketamine. The combined street value of these alleged drugs is approximately HK$9.4 million.

In one incident, a 32-year-old Malaysian male was apprehended during a routine customs inspection after officers discovered 2kg of what they suspect to be ketamine cleverly hidden in tea leaf packaging within his hand luggage.

In another case, officers discovered roughly 4.5kg of what they believe to be liquid cocaine in the checked luggage of a 26-year-old man who had arrived from Sao Paulo, Brazil, transiting via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The alleged drugs were ingeniously concealed inside two wine bottles and three personal care product containers.

Finally, a 46-year-old man arriving from Paris, France was found to be carrying around 10kg of a substance believed to be ketamine. The suspected illicit substance was skillfully hidden inside protein powder packaging in his checked luggage.

These incidents serve as a reminder of the risks and potential implications involved in illicit activities. It also emphasizes the importance of thorough checks and regulations in place at international airports to ensure safety and security. Investors and individuals interested in the sector should be aware of these ongoing challenges and the significant role of law enforcement and customs authorities in maintaining order and safety.