​Hong Kong Customs yesterday (February 9) detected a suspected mobile phone smuggling case at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point and seized 40 mobile phones with an estimated market value of about $35,000.
Customs officers yesterday conducted customs clearance on a 39-year-old outgoing male passenger heading to the Mainland at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point. The batch of mobile phones was found strapped under his armpits and around his waist. The man was subsequently arrested.
An investigation is ongoing.
Under the Telecommunications Ordinance, any person who imports or exports any radiocommunications transmitting apparatus without a licence or permit commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $25,000 and imprisonment for one year.
Customs reminds members of the public that any person who imports or exports a radiocommunications transmitting apparatus is required to obtain an import or export permit from the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) unless he/she is a holder of a Radio Dealers Licence (Unrestricted) issued by OFCA.
Following the full resumption of normal travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland on February 6, Hong Kong Customs will strengthen clearance on passengers crossing the border at all control points and will continue to co-operate closely with Mainland Customs and local law enforcement agencies to take vigorous enforcement action against different kinds of smuggling activities.
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/Friday, February 10, 2023
