A cross-boundary driver was convicted and sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment today (August 15) at Tuen Mun Magistrates’ Courts for smuggling gold, in contravention of the Import and Export Ordinance (IEO).
Customs officers intercepted an incoming private car which entered Hong Kong via Shenzhen Bay Control Point on December 6, 2017. Thirty-five unmanifested gold bars weighing about 35 kilograms with an estimated market value of about $11 million were found concealed inside the boot of the vehicle. The 31-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/Thursday, August 15, 2019