Canadian, Hong Kong Customs Seize Over 180kg Cannabis in Cross-Border Drug Crackdown

Over the past year, authorities in Calgary and Hong Kong have seized significant quantities of cannabis concealed in luggage at their international airports, targeting illicit drug trafficking operations. In Calgary, the Canada Border Services Agency seized more than 160 kilograms of cannabis primarily destined for export to countries including the United Kingdom, Belgium, and the Netherlands, with arrests made in multiple incidents involving vacuum-sealed packages. Similarly, Hong Kong Customs detected multiple cases involving passengers arriving from Bangkok, Thailand, seizing approximately 20 to 26 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds valued at around HK$4 million to $2.6 million, leading to the arrest and charging of several individuals for drug trafficking. Both agencies emphasized that while cannabis may be legal in some jurisdictions, cross-border trafficking remains a serious criminal offence with severe penalties including imprisonment and heavy fines. Customs officials in both regions highlighted ongoing efforts to utilize intelligence analysis and risk assessment to combat transnational drug trafficking and urged the public to avoid involvement in such activities. They also reminded people not to carry unknown items or accept delegation from others to transport controlled substances, underscoring the importance of vigilance and enforcement in disrupting organized crime funding other illegal activities.