Hong Kong Customs yesterday (May 15) for the first time smashed a suspected smuggling syndicate that was using the battery case of an electric private vehicle for smuggling activity. During the operation, a total of 1 576 smartphones, 228 smart watches and 45 solid state drives (SSD) with an estimated market value of about $8 million were seized.
Customs officers yesterday morning monitored a cargo yard in Yuen Long which was suspected to be a loading base used by a syndicate for smuggling activities.
Later on the same day, an electric private vehicle which left the cargo yard was intercepted by Customs officers when it arrived at Shenzhen Bay Control Point. A total of 1 576 smartphones, 228 smart watches and 45 SSDs were found inside the battery case of the private vehicle.
Customs officers subsequently searched the cargo yard and a premises in Yuen Long. A light goods vehicle, another private car, packing materials and tools were further seized for investigation.
A total of five men, aged 26 to 48, were arrested during the operation.
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.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Wednesday, May 16, 2018
