Nigerian dupes two FDHs into receiving drug shipments

The cocaine confiscated from the air parcel Michelle received (Photo: Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department)

SHE thought they were toys.

The Hong Kong government has decided not to pursue drug trafficking charges against a Filipino domestic worker who received an air parcel from Ecuador that contained 300 grams of cocaine.

Eastern Judge Lam Tsz-Kan on June 4 approved the prosecution’s request to drop the drug charges against helper Michelle M., 41, who had been under arrest since September last year.

The prosecution did not proceed with the case due to lack of evidence that could prove Michelle’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

Customs officers arrested Michelle on September 27 last year after she received the drug parcel at her employer’s home.

Customs officers had intercepted the contraband after an inspection on September 7 showed that the cocaine was concealed between layers of four wooden boxes.

Investigators decided to conduct a “controlled delivery” operation and the parcel was delivered to the address of Michelle’s employer in Yuen Long.

A Customs officer, who pretended to be a UPS delivery man, delivered the package, which was received by Michelle.

“The officer asked if she was expecting the parcel and she answered ‘yes’ and received it. She was arrested on the spot,” said an official of the Philippine Consulate General.

The official said Michelle’s Nigerian boyfriend had convinced her to receive the package, telling her that it contained toys for his son.

“He had promised to get the parcel from her later. Of course, that did not happen,” he said.

The official said the Nigerian befriended Michelle in the one of the clubs here in Hong Kong and that the same man had also duped another Filipino domestic helper into receiving an air parcel that also had drugs.

“Luckily, the case against that helper also did not prosper,” the official said.

However, he noted that the police are still looking for the Nigerian suspect who might again victimize other Filipino domestic workers.