The Customs and Excise Department conducted an anti-smuggling operation in Tuen Mun yesterday (June 19) and smashed a sea smuggling case. In the operation, a total of 1 147 tablet computers, 599 digital cameras, 114 camera lenses and 8 250 used mobile phones were seized. The total value is about $6 million.
At about 8.30pm yesterday, Customs officers of the Marine Enforcement Group conducted an anti-smuggling operation at the Tuen Mun seashore. When the officers arrived at the landing steps at Ho Hoi Street, they found five men suspected to be involved in smuggling activity and moving goods from a light goods vehicle onto a high-power speedboat. The officers took immediate action but the suspects quickly jumped into the speedboat and fled.
Customs officers then seized 82 cartons of electronic goods and the light goods vehicle at the scene for investigation, while the search for the suspects is continuing. No arrests have been made in the operation at the moment.
A Customs spokesman said today (June 20) that the department would continue to take stringent enforcement action to combat sea smuggling activities.
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 20 2013
