Hong Kong Customs and the Marine Police today (May 31) conducted an anti-smuggling operation and detected a suspected smuggling case using a fishing vessel in the waters off Sha Chau. A batch of suspected smuggled foods and live fish with an estimated market value of about $1 million was seized.
Officers from Customs and the Marine Police spotted a suspicious fishing vessel leaving Hong Kong in the early hours today. Officers then took immediate action and intercepted the fishing vessel for examination. About 79 cartons of suspected smuggled goods were seized on board the vessel.
During the operation, Customs officers arrested a 56-year-old female coxswain and a 50-year-old male crew member. The fishing vessel involved was also detained for further investigation.
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.
Hong Kong 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/Friday, May 31, 2019
