Hong Kong driver caught with ketamine leads to Macau dealer bust

A 40-year-old Hong Kong man was arrested in the early hours of January 26 after police discovered ketamine in his vehicle during a routine check near Rua de Fai Chi Kei.

The driver, who admitted to a history of drug use, tested positive for the controlled substance, leading to a broader investigation that resulted in the detention of a Macau resident suspected of supplying the drugs.

According to the Judiciary Police (PJ), the incident began in the early hours of January 26 when officers stopped the driver during a vehicle inspection and noted his disoriented state. Upon questioning, he confessed to habitual drug use.

A search of his vehicle revealed three transparent bags containing suspected ketamine and a piece of white paper, totaling approximately 4.28 grams.

The driver was taken to a hospital for drug testing, which confirmed the presence of ketamine in his system.

Further investigation revealed that the driver had allegedly purchased the drugs through a cell phone application. He claimed to have met a supplier and agreed to buy four packets of ketamine for HKD2,500 on January 25 near the tourist bus parking area of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) to complete the transaction.

After the transaction, he pulled over to consume some of the substance near Rua de Fai Chi Kei and stored the remaining narcotics under the driver’s seat. He denied selling any narcotics or psychotropic substances.

Through the city surveillance system, police identified and intercepted the suspected supplier, a 40-year-old Macau resident, at the Qingmao Port on January 28 as he was entering Macau. The suspect denied involvement in drug trafficking or distribution.

The Hong Kong driver faces charges under Article 8 of Law No. 17/2009, as amended by Law No. 10/2016, for unlawful sale and consumption of narcotic drugs, as well as violations of Article 90 of the Road Traffic Law for driving under the influence.

The Macau supplier is suspected of violating the same laws related to illegal drug trafficking. Both cases have been referred to the Public Prosecutions Office (MP) for further investigation. Victoria Chan