Hong Kong Customs conducted largest seizure of crystal methamphetamine today, having discovered it hidden in the shipment snail shells from Mexico.

The suspected shells were packed in sacks of corn and beans along with logo of the Mexican Food Safety Organization (Segalmex)with the inscription “Government of Mexico” and the national coat of arms.

The value of the methamphetamine was estimated at HK$640 million. (about 81.8 million US dollars).

According to Superintendent Yip Kwok-leung, head of the semi-autonomous city’s customs drug investigation team, Four people have been arrested in connection with the seizure of 1.1 tonnes of suspected methamphetamine. Also known as “Ice”.

According to the Department of Customs and Excise, the arrival of the container, which was stated to He carried more than 600 bags filled with snail shells. was selected for testing after arriving from Mexico last month.

After the cargo has been x-rayed, suspicious materials were found, prompting inspectors to search the interior, where methamphetamine was found in 104 bags.

“The drugs were disguised as snail shells covered with wax and paint. “Each piece weighed approximately 1 kilogram and each bag contained approximately 10 pieces of disguised illegal substance mixed with real projectiles,” the superintendent said.

Authorities in charge of the operation believe that some of the loot was intended for local consumption, while the rest may have been targeted at countries such as Australia, Japan and New Zealand, where drugs could be sold for several times their cost.

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On the same day, customs officers Two men and a woman were detained two logistics companies for their alleged involvement in this matter.

Three suspects were left in pledge We are waiting for the investigation to continue.

On Saturday he stopped at another 27 year old man who allegedly rented an industrial warehouse to store drugs.

Until this Monday, the suspect remained in custody as the alleged culprit. drug trafficking crimepunishable by life imprisonment and a fine of up to HK$5 million (US$639 million).

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Together with this shipment, discovered on October 26, the total volume of illegal drugs seized by customs authorities in the first 10 months of the year increased to 7.5 tons, which represents an increase of 41% compared to the same period in 2022.

Last October, Hong Kong Customs seized liquid methamphetamine worth HK$1.1 billion (about US$140 million) hidden in boxes of coconut water, also from Mexico.

(according to information from EFE And Aristegui News)