Hong Kong Customs yesterday (August 17) detected a suspected case of smuggling and seized 30 gold slabs weighing about 30 kilograms in total with value of about $11 million.
Customs officers intercepted an incoming private car which entered Hong Kong via Shenzhen Bay Control Point yesterday. During inspection, officers found the gold slabs concealed near the front tire of the private car. The 34-year-old male driver was arrested and was put on bail pending further investigation.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, the maximum penalty for importing unmanifested cargo is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to the Customs’ 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Thursday, August 18, 2016