In an anti-smuggling operation conducted yesterday (June 22), Customs officers of Lok Ma Chau Control Point seized from an outgoing 40-foot container truck five units of optical disc mastering and replication machine, worth about $1 million.
Shortly before 1pm yesterday, Customs officers intercepted and searched an outgoing 40-foot container truck, which was declared to be loaded with sand, sand ejection machines and accessories. With the assistance of the Vehicle X-ray Inspection System, Customs officers found five units of optical disc mastering and replication machine that did not tally with the declaration.
A 29-year-old man was arrested. He will later be charged with the relevant offences under the Import and Export Ordinance.
This has been the second case of its kind effected at Lok Ma Chau Control Point since the Vehicle X-ray Inspection System was put into operation in 2003. In March 2003, Customs officers seized from an outgoing 40-foot container truck two sets of optical disc replication machine.
Licence is required for importing and exporting optical disc mastering and replication machine. Any person attempting to export such machine without proper manifest declaration and a valid licence will be charged with "exporting unmanifested cargo" and "exporting prohibited articles not under and in accordance with an export licence" under the Import and Export Ordinance. The maximum penalty is 7-year imprisonment and a $2 million fine. The smuggled goods and the vehicle involved are also liable to forfeiture.
Ends/Thursday, June 23, 2005