$70m cannabis case cracked

August 6, 2021
Illicit haul
Illicit haul:

Suspected cannabis buds are found inside a den in Yuen Long.

Customs officers yesterday smashed a suspected cannabis growing den, seizing about 460kg of suspected cannabis plants and 5kg of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $70 million.

 

This is the largest case of a cannabis growing den detected by Customs so far.

 

The officers first intercepted a 47-year-old man in Yuen Long, followed by a search of a residential unit.

 

A total of 1,043 suspected cannabis plants, about 5kg of suspected cannabis buds and a batch of suspected cannabis growing equipment, including solar lamps, ventilation facilities and carbon dioxide generators, were seized.

 

The man was subsequently arrested and an investigation is ongoing.

 

Customs reminded that the maximum penalty for cannabis cultivation is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for 15 years, and that trafficking in a dangerous drug is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

 

The public may report suspected drug trafficking activities to the Customs’ hotline 2545 6182 or by email.

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