Hong Kong Customs foiled a smuggling attempt involving silver slabs and random access memories (RAMs) onboard a departing container truck at Man Kam To Control Point on October 14.
Based on intelligence received, Customs officers intercepted a suspicious container truck declared to be carrying plastic resin for inspection. With the assistance of the X-ray system, the officers suspected that there might be something hidden behind the left front wheel of the tractor.
In a subsequent vehicle search, they found seven silver slabs and 1,752 pieces of RAMs concealed inside a hollow space after removing a two-tier staircase affixed behind the mudguard of the left front wheel. The silver slabs weighed about 210 kilograms in total.
The total seizure, including the tractor, was worth about $1.2 million.
A 50-year-old local male driver was arrested. He is on bail pending further investigations.
The Customs and Excise Department will continue to stay vigilant and take stringent enforcement against smuggling activities, a Customs spokesman said today (October 16)
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, smuggling is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is a fine of $2 million and an imprisonment for seven years.
Ends/Thursday, October 16, 2008
