Hong Kong Customs and the Marine Police today (March 4) conducted an anti-smuggling joint-operation and detected two suspected smuggling cases using fishing vessels in the waters of Lau Fau Shan. A large batch of suspected smuggled goods including vehicle parts, cosmetics, wines and fruits with an estimated market value of about $550,000 were seized.
Customs officers and the Marine Police spotted two suspicious fishing vessels leaving Hong Kong in the waters of Lau Fau Shan this morning and then took immediate action and intercepted the fishing vessels for examination. The batch of suspected smuggled goods was seized on board the vessels.
In the operation, two male coxswains, aged 52 and 56, as well as two female crew members, aged 46 and 50, were arrested.
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.
Customs and the Marine Police 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/Monday, March 4, 2019
