Hong Kong Customs on November 6 seized about 5 200 kilograms of suspected smuggled hairy crabs and about 2 500kg of suspected smuggled frozen meat with a total estimated market value of about $2.9 million at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port.
Customs Officers on that day intercepted an incoming goods vehicle at the HZMB Hong Kong Port. Upon inspection, the batch of suspected unmanifested hairy crabs and frozen meat was found mix-loaded with other properly declared goods on board the vehicle.
The estimated market value of the suspected unmanifested hairy crabs seized was about $2.5 million while that of the suspected unmanifested frozen meat was about $400,000.
A 44-year-old male goods vehicle driver was arrested and has been released on bail pending further investigation.
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.
Customs will continue to combat cross-boundary smuggling activities with firm enforcement action based on risk assessment and intelligence analysis.
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, November 8, 2022
