Customs officers yesterday (September 22) conducted an anti-smuggling operation in the Hong Kong Eastern Waters and seized loads of smuggling computers and electronic goods worth HK$1 million with detention of one Hong Kong fishing vessel.
Acting on information, Customs at about 6.30pm detected a suspicious local fishing vessel at the Shau Kei Wan Typhoon Shelter with some males loading goods in the catch-hold on board the vessel. Soon afterwards, the vessel departed from the Shau Kei Wan Typhoon Shelter and set sailed towards Hong Kong southeast waters.
Later, Customs pursuit crafts intercepted the vessel in the waters off the Ninepin Group for a search. As a result, three Mainland crew members and loads of high-valued goods were found on board the vessel, including used desktop computer, portable computers, mobile phones, computer RAM, electronic components, liquid crystal display monitors and mobile phones batteries worth HK$1 million.
Since no valid export manifest could be produced by the vessel master to cover the cargo, the mainland vessel master and the two crew members, aged between 40 and 53, were arrested by the Customs. The investigation is underway.
Customs officers believed the seized cargo were destined for Huizhou and Aotou, Mainland.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, smuggling is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is a fine of HK$2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
The Hong Kong Customs will strengthen intelligence analysis and continue to step up enforcement action to combat sea smuggling activities.
Any person who has any information regarding suspected smuggling activities, please call the 24-hour Customs hotline at 2545 6182.
Ends/Thursday, September 23, 2010
