Hong Kong Customs yesterday (December 4) detected a case of suspected smuggling by speedboat in Tung Chung and seized about 1.1 tonnes of suspected smuggled dried shark fins with an estimated market value of about $1 million.
Customs officers conducted an anti-smuggling operation in North Lantau waters last night. Several men were spotted moving bags of goods from a private car to a speedboat near Tung Chung. The officers suspected the men were engaging in smuggling activities and therefore took action.
The men immediately jumped into the speedboat and left Hong Kong waters at high speed.
During the operation, apart from the seizure of about 1.1 tonnes of suspected smuggled dried shark fins, two private cars involved were also detained for further investigation.
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.
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, December 5, 2019
