Hong Kong Customs detected two suspected smuggling cases involving ocean-going vessels on October 2. A large batch of suspected smuggled goods with a total estimated market value of about $40 million was seized.
Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, Customs discovered that criminals intended to use ocean-going vessels to smuggle goods. Strategies were thus formulated, with one suspicious container scheduled to be shipped from Hong Kong to Thailand, and one suspicious container prepared to be shipped to Cambodia, via ocean-going vessels selected for inspection.
Customs inspected the two containers, declared as carrying clothing and kitchenware respectively, on October 2. Upon examinations, Customs officers found large batches of suspected smuggled goods, including audio equipment, watches, cameras and other electronic products that were mix-loaded with the clothes and kitchenware in the containers.
An investigation is ongoing. The likelihood of arrests is not ruled out.
Being a government department primarily responsible for tackling smuggling activities, Customs has long been combating various smuggling offences. Customs will keep up its enforcement action and continue to fiercely combat sea smuggling activities through proactive risk management and intelligence-based enforcement strategies, and carry out targeted anti-smuggling operations at suitable times to disrupt relevant crimes.
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 upon conviction.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Ends/Tuesday, October 15, 2024
