HONG KONG AUTHORITIES SEIZE HEROIN, ARREST SIX

HONG KONG, Jan 6 (Reuters) - Hong Kong authorities said on Wednesday they
had seized HK$18.1 million ($2.39 million) worth of heroin and arrested six
people in two incidents this week.

Police said they believed they had smashed a drug syndicate on Wednesday
with the seizure of HK$12 million worth of heroin and the arrest of four men.

The suspects, aged between 40 and 45, were arrested for drug trafficking
after police found 14 kg (30 lb 15 oz) of heroin in a suitcase carried by
one of them, a police statement said.

Police also searched a flat believed to be a temporary drug storage centre
and seized a container truck thought to be used for transporting drugs.

The suspects were being detained for enquiries while investigations were
proceeding, police said.

On Tuesday, Hong Kong airport customs officers seized HK$6.1 million worth
of heroin and arrested two men leaving for Taiwan, officials said.

Officers found 6.1 kg (13 lb six oz) of the drug strapped in bags around
the waists and thighs of the two Hong Kong men.

"This is the first major drug seizure made by customs officers at the
airport this year," said a spokesman for the Customs and Excise Department.

The two men, aged 22 and 27, were expected to be charged with trafficking
in a dangerous drug, authorities said.

($1HK$7.74)