Hong Kong Customs today (January 3) conducted an anti-smuggling operation and detected a suspected smuggling case using fishing vessel in the waters off Lamma Island. About 100 300 kilograms of suspected smuggled frozen meat with an estimated market value of about $1.5 million were seized.
Customs officers spotted a suspicious fishing vessel near Lamma Island leaving Hong Kong at high speed at dawn today. Officers then took immediate action and intercepted the fishing vessel for examination. The batch of suspected smuggled frozen meat were seized.
During the operation, Customs officers arrested two 50-year-old male crew members and detained the fishing vessel for further investigation.
Investigation is ongoing.
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.
Hong Kong Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement action to combat sea smuggling activities.
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/Thursday, January 3, 2019
