Hong Kong officials seize 650kg of cocaine in record bustJuly 7, 2012 - 15:42 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Customs officials in Hong Kong have seized cocaine weighing close to 650kg (1,433lbs) in what they say is their biggest drug haul ever, BBC News said. John Lee, Customs Drug Investigation Bureau head, said that they seized drugs with a street value of HK$760m ($98m, £63.11m) based on a tip from U.S. officials. The drugs arrived in a container from Ecuador, officials say. The authorities have arrested three local men. "This is the biggest-ever cocaine seizure made in Hong Kong," Mr Lee said, adding that he believed the cocaine was to be sent to countries in south-east Asia. He said that the container with the drugs was one among a batch referred by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration for further processing between April and June. In September 2011, Hong Kong police made what they said was their largest ever drugs bust at the time, seizing nearly half a tonne of cocaine with a street value of around $77m. The drugs were hidden under heaps of recycled plastic materials thought to have been brought into the city in shipping containers. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Pasadena to host Armenian Genocide commemoration event The Pasadena Armenian Coalition will host its community-wide Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event. Armenia: Opposition activist transferred to Investigative Committee Activist Samvel Vardanyan has been accused of insulting the lawmaker Hakob Aslanyan from the ruling Civil Contract party. Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims. Azerbaijan, Jordan sign deal on defense cooperation Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, according to an official statement. |