Hong Kong Customs yesterday (March 17) smashed a smuggling syndicate using jerry cans to conceal electronic goods for smuggling to the Mainland.
In the operation, Customs seized $1.6 million worth of electronic goods from a fishing vessel and two small craft towed by it leaving for Shekou from Lau Fau Shan. The seized goods included 12,635 mobile phone main boards, 6,580 mobile phone display monitors, 3,157 used mobile phones and 1,864 used mobile phone batteries.
Following a month-long investigation of the syndicate, Customs officers of the Special Task Force and the Marine Enforcement Group took action yesterday to foil the smuggling attempt. The fishing vessel, towing the two small craft, was stopped before leaving Hong Kong waters in the morning.
After a thorough search, 17 jerry cans containing the electronic goods were found in two secret compartments of the fishing vessel, and another seven jerry cans on one of the small craft. Four men and two women were arrested on the fishing vessel.
Meanwhile, another group of Customs officers raided a public housing premises in Sheung Shui believed to be a packing centre for the smuggling operation and seized a batch of mobile phone parts and jerry cans. A man and two women were arrested inside the flat. Afterwards, Customs officers arrested another man in San Tin who had delivered the smuggled goods from Sheung Shui to Lau Fau Shan by private car.
Altogether six men and four women, aged between 19 and 47, were arrested in the operation. The Customs investigation is continuing.
The Divisional Commander of the Special Task Force, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, stressed at a press briefing today (March 18) that smuggling was a serious offence and, under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of exporting unmanifested cargoes is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
To report offences relating to smuggling, please call Customs' 24-hour hotline on 2545 6182.
Ends/Friday, March 18, 2011
