Hong Kong Customs yesterday (March 20) mounted an anti-smuggling operation in the New Territories and smashed a suspected syndicate using cross-boundary coaches for smuggling. Three coaches, two light goods vehicles and two warehouses in industrial buildings located at Shatin were searched. A large number of electronic products worth over $22 million were seized.
Customs officers intercepted an outbound cross-boundary coach at Shenzhen Bay Control Point yesterday morning. A total of 1 000 mobile phones, 457 computer tablets and a large number of electronic parts worth about $7 million were found being concealed in the passenger baggage area of the coach. During subsequent search of two coaches and two light goods vehicles in Yuen Long and Ma On Shan, a large batch of electronic products, including 1 269 mobile phones and 1 397 computer tablets worth about $11 million, were seized.
In addition, 168 computer tablets and a large number of electronic parts worth about $3 million were found during subsequent search to two warehouses in industrial buildings located at Shatin. A total of nine suspected syndicate members including the mastermind and other members, aged between 25 and 56, were arrested. Investigation is continuing.
A Customs spokesman said today (March 21) that smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of exporting unmanifested cargoes is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Ends/Saturday, March 21, 2015
