Hong Kong Customs today (March 17), carried out a joint operation with Hong Kong Police and Immigration Department against illegal export of powdered formula in San Tin, Lok Ma Chau. In the operation, enforcement officers searched several warehouses storing daily commodities. Nine men and four women, aged between 33 to 70, were arrested. Nearly 30 kilogrammes of powdered formula, worth about $11,000, were seized therein.
Customs officers observed a group of general merchandise operators (GMOs) gathered near San Tin, Lok Ma Chau this afternoon. These GMOs retrieved daily commodities and powdered formula from the nearby container storages separately. Subsequently, officers of Customs, Police and Immigration Department carried out enforcement action and intercepted groups of GMOs at Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point and also the GMOs gathered near San Tin. Officers also searched several container storages there. During the operation, Customs found 13 GMOs attempting to illegally export powered formula without licence and took immediate action to arrest them.
Customs will continue its efforts to crack down on illegal export of powdered formula smuggling activity all over Hong Kong. Moreover, Customs will mount joint operation with other enforcement agencies in order to strengthen the effectiveness of enforcement.
The Import and Export (General)(Amendment) Regulation 2013 prohibits the unlicensed export of powdered formula for infants and children under 36 months. To allow a reasonable quantity for personal use, the prohibition does not apply to powdered formula not exceeding 1.8 kilogrammes in total net weight that is exported in the accompanied personal baggage of a person leaving Hong Kong. However, the person must be aged 16 or above and must not have left Hong Kong in the last 24 hours. Offenders may face a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years upon conviction.
The Customs will take continuous enforcement action against smuggling activities. Members of the public are welcomed to report any suspected smuggling activities to the Customs through Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Monday, March 17 2014