Hong Kong Customs today (November 13) conducted a blitz operation at a warehouse in Shan Ha Tsuen, Yuen Long. A total of 112 bags, in 25-kilogram packages, of suspected counterfeit rice with a value of about $33,600 were seized. Three persons were arrested. Customs believes that a syndicate selling suspected counterfeit rice with the use of vehicles was smashed.
Acting on information about selling suspected counterfeit rice with vehicles in some public estates in Kowloon and the New Territories, Customs officers carried out investigations and raided a warehouse in Shan Ha Tsuen today. The total of 112 bags, in 25kg packages, of suspected counterfeit rice with a value of about $33,600 were seized. Three men, aged between 24 and 30, were arrested.
Customs suspected that unscrupulous traders used rice of inferior quality to fill rice bags with forged trademarks and sold the suspected counterfeit rice to the public at a lower price. It was also suggested that delivery service was offered upon receiving phone orders.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale any goods with any forged trademark commits an offence. Upon conviction, offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $500,000 and imprisonment of five years.
Anyone who comes across any suspected counterfeit activities is encouraged to make a report to Customs by calling the 24-hour hotline 2545 6182
Ends/Thursday, November 13, 2014
