Hong Kong Customs last night (July 5) mounted an anti-smuggling operation in the southern waters of Hong Kong and detected a suspected smuggling case involving a cargo vessel. A batch of food and suspected scheduled live corals, with an estimated market value of about $1.5 million, was seized.
During the operation, Customs officers spotted a suspicious cargo vessel heading towards Mainland waters from the waters off Cheung Chau. Several men were seen dealing with cargoes on board. Suspecting them of participating in smuggling activities, Customs officers immediately took action and intercepted the cargo vessel. The suspected smuggled goods involved in the case were seized on board, including fruits and vegetables, chilled fish, frozen meat and suspected scheduled live corals.
Three men on board, aged between 34 and 69, were arrested.
An investigation is ongoing and the trio have been released on bail pending further investigation.
Customs stresses that it will keep up its enforcement action and will continue to fiercely combat sea smuggling activities through proactive risk management and intelligence-based enforcement strategies, along with mounting targeted anti-smuggling operations at suitable times to land a solid blow against relevant activities.
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.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting an endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Wednesday, July 6, 2022
