Hong Kong Customs yesterday (September 13) smashed a syndicate involved in the smuggling of nickel and mobile phone parts into the Mainland by means of concealment in altered axles of container trucks.
The officers seized 3,600 kg nickel and 7,200 pieces of LCD display for mobile phone. The total seizure amounted to $2.6 million.
After in-depth investigation based on intelligence, Customs officers launched two operations, one in Lok Ma Chau and another in Yuen Long.
About 9.30am, Customs officers intercepted a target departing container truck, declared to be carrying no goods, for inspection. They uncovered 500 kg nickel concealed inside a false compartment in the rear axle gear compartment of the tractor as well as the hollowed-out trailer axle. A 42-year-old male driver was arrested.
Separately, Customs officers raided a workshop at Tong Yan San Tsuen, Yuen Long around noon.
As a result, they found a batch of dismantling equipment, and a large quantity of goods suspected to be for smuggling purpose. The goods included 3,100 kg nickel and 7,200 pieces of LCD display for mobile phone. Meanwhile, Customs officers seized two altered trailer axles, and detained a container tractor and an empty container. Two men believed to be the masterminds, aged 41 and 42, were arrested.
All arrested persons are on bail pending further investigation.
The Group Head (Intelligence Coordination), Mr Sin Wai-sun, said that in view of huge demand for nickel in Mainland, the syndicate attempted to profit from smuggling by evading Mainland import duty.
Comparing to 2006, this year recorded a rise in Customs seizure of nickel. So far in 2007, Customs cracked 3 cases, seizing 4,807 kg nickel, worth $1.39 million.
In 2006, there were five cases involving seizure of 1,281 kg nickel, worth $310,000.
The Divisional Commander (Lok Ma Chau (Operations)), Mr Benson Lee said, "The Department will continue its stringent enforcement against smuggling."
"Through intelligence analysis and risk management, coupled with the help of detection equipment and Customs detector dogs, Customs are able to combat cross-boundary smuggling activities effectively," he said.
Under Import and Export Ordinance, anyone found guilty of smuggling will be liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Ends/Friday, September 14, 2007
