Customs officers in the early morning (September 28) intercepted a fishing vessel, a sand barge and a cargo lighter at the northwest waters off Tuen Mun with seizure of dismantled vehicles and vehicle parts at HK$0.26 million worth and arrest of three Hong Kong men and four Mainland men aged between 28 and 56.
Acting on information, Customs officer spotted a cargo lighter laden with dismantled vehicles and vehicle parts off Tsing Yi last night (September 27). Later, the lighter was towed to the waters off Siu Lang Shui, Tuen Mun. Subsequently, a fishing vessel and a sand barge berthed alongside the lighter and transferred from it with bundles of dismantled vehicles and vehicle parts. While both the fishing vessel and sand barge were heading towards western direction and intended to leave Hong Kong waters, they were intercepted by Customs Patrol Launches. As a result, two Mainland crewmen were found on board each vessel and bundles of unmanifested dismantled vehicles and vehicle parts were discovered. At the same time, Customs Officers intercepted the cargo lighter off Castle Peak Bay. Six bundles of dismantled vehicles and vehicle parts of the same kind were found onboard. Three Hong Kong men onboard the lighter were arrested immediately. Investigation is still underway.
Customs stressed that smuggling is a serious offence, under the Import and Export Ordinance, the maximum penalty is a fine of two million dollars and imprisonment for seven years.
The Hong Kong Customs will strengthen intelligence exchange and continue to step up enforcement actions to combat sea-smuggling activities.
Any person who has any information regarding suspected smuggling activities, please call the 24 hour Customs hotline at (852) 2545 6182.
Ends/Tuesday, September 28, 2010
