The Customs and Excise Department conducted an anti-smuggling operation in Sai Kung yesterday (November 21) and smashed a sea smuggling case. In the operation, a total of 752 tablet computers and a private car with a total estimated value of about $2.9 million were seized.
At about 7.30pm yesterday, Customs officers of the Marine Enforcement Group, while conducting an anti-smuggling patrol in Sai Kung, found several men unloading goods from a private car onto a high-powered speedboat on the beach of Tsam Chuk Wan. The officers took action and seized the goods at scene. The suspects immediately jumped on board the speedboat and fled towards Sai Kung Hoi.
Customs officers seized the vehicle and 39 boxes of goods at scene. No arrests were made in the operation.
A Customs spokesman said today (November 22) that the department would continue to take stringent enforcement action to combat sea smuggling activities.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Ends/Thursday, November 22 2012
