The Hong Kong Customs Wednesday announced that about 1.7 kilograms of heroin estimated about 1.29 million HK dollars (about 166,023 U.S. dollars) was seized at the Hong Kong International Airport on Jan. 10.

Hong Kong Customs officers intercepted the woman arriving from Addis Abeba at the arrival hall of the airport for search. The heroin was found attached around the woman's chest, stomach and thighs by adhesive tape to evade examination by customs officers.

The 36-year-old woman, who claimed to be a merchant, was arrested and charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug.

Under the city's Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, drug trafficking is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is life imprisonment and a fine of 5 million HK dollars.