Hong Kong Customs intercepted four cargo containers declared to contain "Wood Plup" (sic) before their loading onto an ocean-going vessel destined for Tianjin at Kwai Chung Container Port on June 24 (Monday). Upon examination, the containers were found to contain about $24 million worth of electronic products. It is believed that the cargoes were unmanifested to evade Mainland import tax.
Acting on information about a smuggling syndicate, Customs officers of the Syndicate Crimes Investigation Bureau succeeded in stopping the cargo containers before their departure on Monday. The containers were found to contain a large haul of electronic goods including games consoles, computer hard disks, display panels, vehicle parts, laser heads, integrated circuits and waste products. Customs searched a number of premises including a cargo yard in Man Kam To and arrested a 33-year-old man. The investigation is continuing.
A Customs spokesman said today (June 27) that smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of exporting unmanifested cargoes is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Ends/Thursday, June 27 2013
