Hong Kong Customs today (April 16) seized 4,402 tablet computers and used smartphones, worth about $11 million in total, on board an outgoing coach during an anti-smuggling operation at Shenzhen Bay Control Point. A coach driver was arrested.
At about 10.30am this morning, Customs officers at Shenzhen Bay Control Point mounted an anti-smuggling operation and intercepted an outgoing coach for search. The officers found 36 carton boxes concealed behind the baggage and cartons of distilled water inside the cargo hole of the coach.
Upon further inspection, Customs officers seized 720 unmanifested tablet computers and 3,682 unmanifested used smartphones, worth about $11 million, from the 36 carton boxes. The 38-year-old male driver was arrested for attempting to export unmanifested cargo under the Import and Export Ordinance. The investigation is continuing.
Hong Kong Customs will continue to carry out stringent enforcement against smuggling activities at control points.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, smuggling is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for 7 years.
Members of the public are urged to report any suspected smuggling activities to the Customs through Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Tuesday, April 16 2013
