A Hong Kong taxi driver has been arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking after leading police on a 6km car chase between Sha Tin and Lai Chi Kok.

The chase ended around 5am on Tuesday when the 56-year-old’s taxi was intercepted on the Tsing Sha Highway near the Lai Chi Kok Visitor Centre. Officers found 33 packages of suspected cocaine worth HK$11,800 (US$12,752) in the vehicle.

A source said officers from the New Territories South Emergency Unit saw the taxi driving in a zigzag pattern at the junction of Lion Rock Tunnel Road and Tai Chung Kiu Road in Sha Tin.

“Officers signaled the driver to stop, but the man ignored them and continued driving towards Tai Wai along Lion Rock Tunnel Road,” the source said.

Police pursued him and eventually intercepted the taxi on the outside lane of the highway. The two sites are approximately 6.7 km apart.

“From the vehicle, officers seized 33 packages, weighing 15.74 grams in total, of what appeared to be cocaine with an estimated street value of HK$11,800,” police said.

Police arrested the taxi driver on suspicion of trafficking dangerous drugs – an offense punishable by up to life in prison.