Hong Kong Customs seized a suspected strategic gas mask without a valid import licence during an operation conducted in Kowloon Bay yesterday (May 29). An under-aged person has been arrested.
Customs earlier received information alleging that suspected illegally imported strategic commodities were put on sale on the internet. Following investigation, an operation was carried out yesterday afternoon and the gas mask was seized from a 14-year-old male student. He was subsequently arrested.
Investigation is ongoing. The arrested person has been released on bail pending further investigation and the likelihood of further arrests is not excluded.
Customs reminds members of the public, and the youth in particular, to abide by the law. Under the Import and Export Ordinance (IEO), any person who imports or exports gas masks, filter canisters or helmets in the control list of strategic commodities under the Import and Export (Strategic Commodities) Regulations without a valid import or export licence commits an offence and is liable to an unlimited fine and to imprisonment for seven years on conviction.
Members of the public may report any suspected violation of the IEO to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Sunday, May 30, 2021
