Customs officers smashed a cross-border sea-smuggling syndicate this morning (August 22) and seized three goods vehicles, five speed boats and seafood worth about $3.6 million in total.
A total of 11 Hong Kong men, aged from 21 to 54, including the mastermind and skeleton members of the syndicate were arrested. They are currently detained for further investigation.
Following on a two-month long investigation by the Anti-Smuggling Strategic Action Force, Customs officers of Special Task Force and Ports & Maritime Command conducted a raid at 1am at Tung Chung, Lantau Island. During the raid, 11 Hong Kong males were arrested. Three goods vehicles, five speed boats and loads of expensive seafood, including 206 cartons of lobster, 118 cartons of abalone, 105 cartons of geoduct, and 42 cartons of salmon, were seized.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, smuggling is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Ends/Saturday, August 22, 2009