Hong Kong Customs yesterday (November 15) mounted an anti-smuggling operation and detected a suspected speedboat smuggling case in the waters off Lamma Island. About 930 kilograms of suspected smuggled dried sea cucumbers and about 890kg of suspected smuggled lobsters with a total estimated market value of about $10 million were seized.
Customs officers yesterday conducted an anti-smuggling operation at Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter and spotted a suspicious speedboat loaded with goods. The officers then took action and the speedboat immediately proceeded at a high speed towards the south-western waters of Hong Kong.
Customs officers subsequently intercepted the speedboat in the waters off Lamma Island and seized the batch of suspected smuggled goods on board the speedboat.
During the operation, Customs arrested two men aged 40 and 45 suspected to be in connection with the case. A speedboat and two high-power outboard engines were also detained.
An investigation is ongoing.
Customs stresses that it will keep up its enforcement action and will continue to fiercely combat sea smuggling activities by proactive risk-management and intelligence-based enforcement strategies. Targeted anti-smuggling operations at suitable times will also be mounted to land a solid blow against relevant activities.
Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Tuesday, November 16, 2021
