Hong Kong Customs mounted an anti-smuggling operation in the New Territories yesterday (November 1) and smashed a syndicate suspected of smuggling mobile phones. A total of 9 300 mobile phones was seized, with an estimated market value of about $28 million.
Customs officers intercepted three outbound container trucks at Man Kam To Control Point yesterday afternoon. Upon examination, batches of mobile phones were found in false compartments inside the three container trucks. Later, Customs officers searched a cargo yard in Yuen Long and a domestic premises in Sheung Shui where more mobile phones and a bulk of packing tools and materials were seized. Later, an inbound container truck which was suspected to be involved in this case was detained at Sha Tau Kok Control Point for investigation.
Customs seized a total of 9 300 mobile phones with an estimated market value of about $28 million during the operation. Eight men aged from 23 to 63 were arrested, including suspected core members of the syndicate. Four container trucks and four private cars were detained. The case is still under investigation.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, smuggling is a serious offence. Any person found guilty of exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Ends/Wednesday, November 2, 2016
