Hong Kong Customs yesterday (October 24) mounted an anti-smuggling operation in the southern waters of Lantau Island and detected a suspected case of using a cargo vessel to smuggle goods in the waters near Fan Lau. A batch of suspected smuggled goods with an estimated market value of about $20 million was seized.
During the operation, Customs officers intercepted a cargo vessel heading towards Macao and found the batch of suspected smuggled goods, including brand-new smartphones of the latest models, precious watches, precious jewellery and camera lenses, in a container on board the vessel. Two men, aged 57 and 66, suspected to be connected with the case were arrested.
An investigation is ongoing. The likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
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.
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/Tuesday, October 25, 2022
