Hong Kong Customs yesterday evening (May 5) detected a suspected smuggling case using a cargo vessel and a barge in the waters off Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). About 160 tonnes of suspected smuggled frozen meat with an estimated market value of about $5.6 million were seized.
Customs officers spotted a suspicious cargo vessel and a suspicious barge when conducting an anti-smuggling operation in the waters off HKIA. The cargo vessel had intended to leave Hong Kong waters later on. Customs officers then took immediate action to intercept the two vessels for examination. During the interception, a man onboard the cargo vessel jumped overboard into the sea and fled. Customs officers immediately searched the area and informed the relevant departments to conduct a search on-site as well.
In the operation, two men aged 45 and 51 were arrested. The batch of suspected smuggled frozen meat was seized on board the cargo vessel and the barge.
An investigation is ongoing.
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).
Ends/Wednesday, May 6, 2020
