Hong Kong customs has arrested 10 people and seized suspected cannabis buds worth an estimated HK$56 million (US$7 million) in a month-long operation targeting a syndicate accused of smuggling the drug from Southeast Asia to Europe and Africa via the city.

“We targeted transit baggage from Southeast Asia for inspection. The average visitor arriving in or transiting through Hong Kong should carry different types of clothing and personal items for a long-haul journey,” Senior Inspector Chan Kai-hin said.

“However, X-ray scans showed that the luggage contained no personal items, and instead revealed suspicious uniform parcels tightly packed inside the suitcases.”

He added that another indication was the condition of the suitcases.

Those used to transport the suspected cannabis were new, unlike the luggage typically used by tourists, which might show signs of wear and tear, including scratches, stickers and labels from previous trips, the department said.

Chow Kai-kwong, a senior customs investigator, said an investigation was launched immediately based on the passenger information displayed on the baggage. Ten people were subsequently identified and arrested at the airport.