Hong Kong Customs on June 6 detected a suspected smuggling case involving a river trade vessel. A large batch of suspected smuggled goods, with a total estimated market value of about $10 million, was seized.
Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, Customs on that day selected a river trade vessel departing from Hong Kong for Macao in the waters off Black Point for inspection. Upon examination, Customs officers onboard the vessel found a large batch of suspected smuggled goods, including suspected scheduled shark fins, bird nests, bags and clothes.
An investigation is ongoing.
Being a government department primarily responsible for tackling smuggling activities, Customs has long been combating various smuggling activities at the forefront. Customs will keep up its enforcement action and continue to fiercely combat sea smuggling activities through proactive risk management and intelligence-based enforcement strategies, along with mounting targeted anti-smuggling operations at suitable times to land a solid blow against relevant activities.
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/Wednesday, June 12, 2024
