Calling it the largest ever haul of the drug, which is also known as “ice”, Cheung Hok Fung of the narcotics bureau said 335kg of crystal methamphetamine and 55kg of cocaine were discovered hidden in 25 out of 245 boxes of furniture in a shipping container.

He said the container arrived from the US on Tuesday and was destined for a warehouse in Yuen Long, the South China Morning Post reported.

Police launched a raid on the warehouse on Thursday and caught the Malaysian suspect while he was unpacking the drugs.

Cheung said the suspect had entered Hong Kong as a tourist last year, allegedly to plan the whole trafficking scheme.

The suspect faces a charge of trafficking in dangerous drugs and is scheduled to appear in Tuen Mun court today.

Senior inspector Tong Wai Kwok was quoted as saying that the syndicate responsible was based in Malaysia and had recruited foreigners to transport drugs to Hong Kong.

“This syndicate has been exploiting the global logistics industry for their criminal activities,” Tong said, adding that companies should be vigilant and look out for customers who provide vague information.

Under Hong Kong law, drug trafficking carries severe penalties, including a HK$5 million (RM2.85 million) fine and life imprisonment.

Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain confirmed the arrest of the Malaysian suspect by Hong Kong authorities, and said that the man had previous records for drug possession and consumption, Berita Harian reported.

“I have instructed the narcotics crime investigation department director to gather intelligence on any accomplices involved in this country,” he was quoted as saying.