Hong Kong customs officers have arrested a man at the airport on suspicion of carrying about HK$1.7 million (US$218,410) worth of cannabis buds in his luggage.

The Customs and Excise Department said on Monday that the 30-year-old had arrived at the city’s airport from Bangkok the previous day. The suspect’s nationality was not provided.

During customs clearance, officers discovered a batch of about 8kg (18lbs) of suspected cannabis in his carry-on luggage. The man was subsequently arrested and charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug.

An investigation is ongoing.

The Customs and Excise Department urged the public to remain alert and not to accept any monetary return for drug trafficking activities.

“They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people,” it said.