A cross-boundary driver was convicted and sentenced to 39 months’ imprisonment today (July 19) at the District Court for using a private car to smuggle gold, in contravention of the Import and Export Ordinance (IEO).
Customs officers intercepted an incoming private car at Sha Tau Kok Control Point on October 26, 2016. Twenty-seven gold slabs weighing about 27 kilograms with an estimated market value of about $8 million were found concealed inside a compartment beneath the air filter at the front of vehicle. The 44-year-old male driver was then arrested.
Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the IEO, 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 Customs’ 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Friday, July 19, 2019