Hong Kong Customs conducted an operation against sea smuggling and smashed a suspected case of smuggling by river trade vessel in Hong Kong's western waters today (August 6). A total of 216 carton boxes containing a variety of goods, with an estimated value of more than $8 million, were seized.
The goods seized in the operation included about 800 tablet and notebook computers, 200 high-end mobile phones, 250 kilogrammes of edible bird's nests, 550 kilogrammes of fur and other assorted goods. The total estimated value is more than $8 million. Four men and one woman, aged from 20 to 44, were arrested. Investigation is continuing.
Officers of the Customs Marine Enforcement Group spotted a suspicious river trade vessel leaving Hong Kong off Lung Kwu Tan, Tuen Mun last night (August 5). Following subsequent monitoring, prior to the vessel was about to leave Hong Kong waters off Lung Kwu Tan, officers intercepted the vessel for a search action in early morning today.
Upon search on the vessel, 216 carton boxes of suspected smuggled goods were found on board the vessel. The coxswain and the other four crew members were arrested. The five arrested persons will be brought up for mention at Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (August 7).
A Customs spokesperson said today that smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
The Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement action to combat sea smuggling activities. Members of the public can report suspected smuggling activities to the Customs through the 24-hour Hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Wednesday, August 6, 2014
