Customs has shut down a West Africa-based transnational drug-trafficking syndicate after seizing 4.4 kilograms of high-grade heroin, worth about $1.7 million. They arrested a Liberian man and two Filipino women.

On August 3, Customs officers found the heroin in the  two Filipino women's suitcases, upon their arrival from Bangkok.

A 23-year-old Liberian man was arrested in the same hotel yesterday when he collected the luggage containing the drugs from the women.

The trio, aged 23 to 46, will be charged with trafficking in dangerous drugs and appear in Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Courts tomorrow.

Customs to strengthen ties with Mainland

Customs Drug Investigation Bureau Head Ben Leung said West Africa-based syndicates have been actively involved in smuggling heroin from Southeast Asia to Hong Kong, most of which was destined for the Mainland.