Hong Kong Customs mounted an anti-smuggling operation at Lok Ma Chau Control Point today (July 11) and detected suspected smuggling of electronic gadgets, valued at around $2.3 million, including 850 smartphones and 1 970 mobile phone parts from an outgoing truck.
Customs officers intercepted the truck at Lok Ma Chau Control Point this morning. According to the manifest submitted by the driver, the truck was allegedly carrying 21 cartons of "communication cable, aluminium foil, IC parts, switch", but upon examination, Customs found 150 smartphones concealed inside five rolls of communication cable and the remaining smartphones and mobile phone parts in seven cartons mingled with other declared cargoes. The male driver, aged 47, was arrested for attempting to export unmanifested cargoes. The investigation is continuing.
Smuggling is a serious offence under the Import and Export Ordinance. The maximum penalty is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Members of the public are urged to report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Friday, July 11, 2014
