Hong Kong seizes 240 kg of cannabis in July–August transit operation
Customs said its July 13–August 17 “Flame Mesh” operation targeting transit-air trafficking seized about 240 kg of suspected cannabis buds from passengers’ luggage and arrested 10 people. The agency estimated the haul at HK$56 million.
🇭🇰 Hong Kong International Airport, Chek Lap Kok · Hong Kong
Hong Kong Customs ran its “Flame Mesh” operation from 13 July to 17 August 2026, targeting cross-border trafficking by transit air passengers.[1][2]
The agency said officers focused on passengers travelling from Southeast Asia through Hong Kong toward Europe and Africa during the summer-holiday period.[1][2]
Customs arrested ten transit passengers, aged 18 to 57, and found about 240 kg of suspected cannabis buds in their luggage.[1][2]The department estimated the haul’s market value at HK$56 million.[1][2]
RTHK reported that officers said scans showed luggage containing no personal belongings, only packages with suspicious density, prompting further checks.[2]Customs said it would continue exchanging intelligence and conducting joint operations with other customs agencies to trace drug sources.[1]
Photos and video
Packages of suspected cannabis buds seized during the “Flame Mesh” operation, displayed at Customs headquarters.Photo details
Hong Kong Customs arrested two mainland Chinese women, aged 50 and 54, at Hong Kong International Airport on 6 November 2026 after finding about 3.5 kg of suspected cannabis buds in each woman's hand luggage. Both had flown in from Bangkok, and Customs put the combined value of the two seizures at about HK$1.4 million.
Hong Kong Customs arrested a 24-year-old mainland traveller arriving from Bangkok after finding about 9 kg of suspected cannabis buds in his hand luggage at Hong Kong International Airport. The man has been charged with trafficking in a dangerous drug and his case is due at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts on 6 November.
West Kowloon Station Customs stopped a male inbound traveller and seized one packet of cannabis candy with a gross weight of 18.03 grams after field and laboratory tests detected THC. The case was transferred to the customs anti-smuggling department for further handling.
Hong Kong Customs arrested a 42-year-old mainland man arriving from Bangkok on 2 November 2026 after finding about 5.1 kg of suspected cannabis buds plus suspected poison products and duty-unpaid cigarettes in his hand luggage. He was charged with drug trafficking and three related counts and was due in West Kowloon court on 3 November.
