Hong Kong Customs mounted an anti-smuggling operation in the New Territories and Kowloon yesterday (April 12) and seized suspected smuggled silver bars, central processing units, solid state drives and used smartphones, with an estimated market value of about $6 million.
Customs officers intercepted an outgoing container truck at Lok Ma Chau Control Point yesterday afternoon and seized a large quantity of central processing units concealed inside the altered axles of the trailer. Subsequently, Customs officers searched a cargo yard in Yuen Long and an industrial building unit in Kowloon Bay where silver bars, central processing units, solid state drives, used smartphones and packing materials were further seized.
During the operation, Customs officers seized 24 silver bars weighing about 360 kilograms in total, 6 999 central processing units, 468 solid state drives and 1 288 used smartphones. Seven men and one woman, aged between 20 and 57, were arrested. Six vehicles were also detained. 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.
​Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Thursday, April 13, 2017
