Customs officers this morning (October 5) foiled a smuggling attempt at Lok Ma Chau Control Point, seizing a large quantity of smuggled cigarettes, worth about $2.1 million, from an incoming lorry.
About 10.50am, Customs officers intercepted and searched an incoming lorry declared to be carrying 350 cartons of glasses. With the assistance of the advanced Vehicle X-ray Inspection System, 1.4 million sticks of dutiable cigarettes were found inside 140 cartons.
Officers detained the 42-year-old male driver.
A spokesman for the Customs and Excise Department said officers would continue to be vigilant and conduct rigorous enforcement actions against cross-boundary smuggling activities.
"With the proactive intelligence collection and analysis work, and the use of advanced equipment, the department is able to strengthen its enforcement capabilities in suppressing smuggling activities," the spokesman said.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of "importing unmanifested cargoes" is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and seven years' imprisonment. The smuggled goods and vehicle involved are also liable to forfeiture.
Ends/Tuesday, October 5, 2004