Police record seizure of suspected ketamine

Police have seized a record seizure of over 550 kilograms of suspected ketamine with a retail value of about $85 million and arrested two men both aged 53 during an operation mounted in Tsuen Wan yesterday (September 5).

Acting on information, officers of the Narcotics Bureau (NB) conducted an investigation against a ketamine trafficking syndicate active in Hong Kong and identified a drug store in an industrial building in Wang Lung Street, Tsuen Wan.

Further investigation revealed that the syndicate was going to despatch a portion of the drugs to the local retail market. NB officers took action shortly after 10.15 am yesterday and intercepted two major syndicate members when they came out of the building with two suitcases. A total of 50 kilograms of suspected Ketamine were found in the two suitcases.

A subsequent search on the target premises in the industrial building led to a further seizure of 500 kilograms of suspected Ketamine stored in 20 carton boxes. The two men, both aged 53, were arrested for trafficking in dangerous drugs and are still being detained by NB for further enquiries.

It is estimated that the haul could fetch about $85 million in the retail market.

Police believed that the drug seized was for the supply to the Mainland and local distribution to public entertainment premises.

"We believe that the Police have dealt a heavy blow to a Ketamine trafficking syndicate in Hong Kong. We will continue our investigation against drugs suppliers and their trafficking activities," a police spokesman said.


Add Police Report No. 1
Issued by PPRB

Ends/Wednesday, September 6, 2006