Hong Kong Customs yesterday (October 22) detected a suspected case of smuggling at Lok Ma Chau Control Point and seized about 6 kilograms of suspected palladium with a total value of about $1.1 million.
Customs officers intercepted an outgoing lorry for Customs clearance at Lok Ma Chau Control Point yesterday. During inspection, officers found two bricks of suspected palladium weighing about 6kg in total inside the driving compartment of the lorry. The 46-year-old male driver was arrested. He has been released on bail pending investigation.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, the maximum penalty for attempting to export unmanifested cargo is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Friday, October 23, 2015