Hong Kong Customs yesterday (October 22) seized a total of 534 suspected smuggled smartphones with an estimated market value of about $2.9 million at Lok Ma Chau Control Point and Yuen Long.
Customs officers intercepted an outgoing private car at Lok Ma Chau Control Point yesterday afternoon and seized 28 smartphones concealed behind the dashboard. The 46-year-old male driver was arrested and the private car was detained.
Subsequently, Customs officers searched a cargo yard in Yuen Long where 506 smartphones and packing materials were further seized. A 51-year-old man was arrested and two private cars at the cargo yard were detained.
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 its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Tuesday, October 23, 2018
