Hong Kong Customs yesterday (January 10) mounted an anti-smuggling operation in the vicinity of Tai O, Lantau Island, and detected a suspected smuggling case using speedboats. About 3 100 kilograms of suspected smuggled lobsters, with an estimated market value of about $1.24 million, were seized.
Customs officers yesterday conducted an anti-smuggling operation in the vicinity of Tai O and observed five electric tricycles loaded with goods moving slowly towards the seashore. Also, some men were seen gathering at the seashore. Later, two suspicious speedboats were seen heading towards the seashore with its navigation lights off, and two of the electric tricycles approached the seashore immediately. The drivers of the two tricycles and the above-mentioned persons quickly transferred the goods from the vehicles onto the speedboats, and were suspected of engaging in smuggling activities.
Customs officers immediately took action, and the above-mentioned persons and the two tricycle drivers swiftly jumped onto the speedboat and fled to Mainland waters. The rest of the drivers abandoned their tricycles and ran away from the scene.
During the operation, Customs officers seized about 3 100kg of suspected smuggled lobsters. Five electric tricycles, all suspected to be involved in the case, were also detained.
An investigation is ongoing.
Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement actions against cross-boundary smuggling activities through risk assessment and intelligence analysis.
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) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).
Ends/Thursday, January 11, 2024
