Hong Kong Customs detected a suspected case of smuggling and seized about 36 000 litres of suspected marked oil and 14.4 kilograms of powdered formula, valued at about $150,000 in total, from a fishing vessel in waters off Lamma Island yesterday (March 2).
Customs officers intercepted the fishing vessel in waters off Lamma Island for a search yesterday evening and found a large amount of unmanifested suspected marked oil in the fuel tanks and 14.4kg of powdered formula on board the fishing vessel. Three men, the coxswain and crew members aged 47 to 51, were arrested. The case is still under investigation.
Customs reminded person-in-charge on board fishing vessel that smuggling goods, including marked oil, is a serious offence. 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.
Under the Import and Export (General)(Amendment) Regulation 2013, it is an offence to export powdered formula, including milk powder and soya milk powder, for infants and children under 36 months without a licence. To allow a reasonable quantity for personal use, the prohibition does not apply to powdered formula not exceeding 1.8kg in total net weight that is exported in the accompanied personal baggage of a person leaving Hong Kong. However, the person must be aged 16 or above and must not have left Hong Kong in the last 24 hours. Offenders may face a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years upon conviction.
Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement action to combat sea smuggling activities. Members of the public can report suspected smuggling activities to Customs through the 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Thursday, March 3, 2016
