​Hong Kong Customs detected the largest sea smuggling case so far this year in Tung Chung on October 15 and seized a batch of suspected smuggled electronic goods with an estimated market value of about $20 million.
Customs officers conducted an anti-smuggling operation in North Lantau waters that evening. Several suspicious men were spotted moving cartons of goods from a private car to a speedboat in Tung Chung, and were suspected to be engaging in smuggling activities. Officers then took action.
The men immediately jumped into the speedboat and left Hong Kong waters at high speed.
During the operation, a batch of suspected smuggled electronic goods including hard disks, USB drives and other electronic parts were seized. A private car involved was also detained for further investigation.
An 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.
Hong Kong Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement action to combat sea smuggling activities. 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, October 17, 2019
