Hong Kong Customs yesterday (December 12) detected a suspected smuggling case by motorised sampan in Lau Fau Shan and seized a batch of suspected smuggled goods including computer RAMs, electronic parts, seafood and military knives with an estimated market value of about $4 million.
Customs officers conducted an anti-smuggling operation in Lau Fau Shan waters last night. Officers spotted a motorised sampan sailing without navigation light and berthed at the mangrove seashore near Lau Fau Shan Pier. Later, several men were seen moving cartons of goods onto the sampan and were suspected of engaging in smuggling activities. Officers then took enforcement action and those men immediately abandoned the sampan and fled.
During the operation, 40 cartons of suspected smuggled goods were seized. The seizure included a batch of computer RAMs and other electronics parts, seafood and military knives. The motorised sampan involved was 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/Friday, December 13, 2019
