Customs officers yesterday (July 10) searched a river trade vessel during an anti-smuggling operation conducted off Conic Island and seized a batch of high-value goods comprising assorted computer hard disks, camera lenses and audio accessories worth about $3.4 million.
Customs officers of the Marine Enforcement Group yesterday conducted an operation against smuggling activities at the eastern waters of Hong Kong and intercepted an outgoing river trade vessel destined for Shantou, the Mainland, for search.
As a result, Customs officers discovered the 142 cartons of smuggling goods inside an engine room and a concealed compartment in the ballast tank of the vessel.
The master in charge of the vessel, a 35-year-old man, who could not produce any export manifest to cover the seized goods, will be charged with attempting to export unmanifested cargo.
Smuggling is a serious offence under the Import and Export Ordinance. The maximum penalty is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Customs and Excise Department will take continuous actions against sea smuggling activities of all kinds. Members of the public are urged to report any suspected smuggling activities through the Customs 24-hour Hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Monday, July 11, 2011
