Hong Kong Customs has foiled a smuggling attempt by a river trade vessel destined for the Mainland, seizing $32 million worth of goods including 10.8 tonnes of electrolytic nickel, 10 million integrated circuits, and a record seizure of around 29,000 computer hard disks.
Acting on intelligence, Customs officers of the Special Task Force and the Marine Enforcement Group conducted an anti-smuggling operation on the evening of March 12 and boarded a river trade vessel leaving for Shunde, Guangdong, off Black Point, Tuen Mun. Upon searching a container declared to contain "polyethylene balls", Customs officers found a large number of unmanifested goods including around 29,000 computer hard disks, 10 million integrated circuits, 21,000 liquid crystal display monitors, 32,000 disc readers, and 10.8 tonnes of electrolytic nickel.
Investigation is ongoing.
The Divisional Commander of the Special Task Force, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, stressed at a press briefing today (March 14) that smuggling was a serious offence and Customs would continue to crack down on any smuggling activities.
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.
Ends/Monday, March 14, 2011
