Hong Kong Customs and the Marine Police conducted a joint operation against sea smuggling along the coastline of Sai Kung today (November 18). In the operation, 373.5 kilograms of lobsters and a light goods vehicle were seized with a total estimated value of about $150,000.
Early this morning, officers detected two high-powered speedboats approaching the shoreline at Chui Tong Road in Sai Kung. About 10 men were seen unloading goods from a light goods vehicle onto the speedboats at the scene. The officers then took action immediately and seized the goods.
Twenty-three boxes of lobsters with a total weight of 373.5 kg were found inside the light goods vehicle. The total estimated seizure value was about $150,000. No arrest was made.
Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement action with the Marine Police in order to suppress smuggling activities at sea.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Ends/Friday, November 18, 2011
