Hong Kong Customs detects two smuggling cases involving ocean-going vessels
Hong Kong Customs detected two suspected smuggling cases involving ocean-going vessels in July. A large batch of suspected smuggled goods with a total estimated market value of about $80 million was seized.
Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, Customs discovered that criminals intended to use ocean-going vessels to smuggle goods. Strategies were thus formulated, with two suspicious containers scheduled to depart from Hong Kong to the United States and one suspicious container scheduled to depart from Hong Kong to Korea selected for inspection on July 9 and 11 respectively.
Upon examination, Customs officers found a large batch of suspected smuggled goods, including refrigerants, perfumes and lighters, in the two containers destined for the United States. The two containers were declared as carrying "mat, bottle" and "storage bag, bottle" respectively. Also, a large batch of suspected smuggled electronic products, including touch screens, oximeters and electronic parts, was seized in the container departing for Korea declared as carrying "plastic gloves and other rubbers".
Investigations are ongoing. The likelihood of arrests is not ruled out.
Being a government department primarily responsible for tackling smuggling activities, Customs has long been combating various smuggling activities at the front line. Customs will keep up its enforcement action and continue to fiercely combat sea smuggling activities through proactive risk management and intelligence-based enforcement strategies, with targeted anti-smuggling operations carried out at suitable times to disrupt these activities.
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 upon conviction.
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) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Hong Kong Customs detects two smuggling cases involving ocean-going vessels Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs detects two smuggling cases involving ocean-going vessels Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
2026 Honours List and Justices of the Peace appointments
The 2026 Honours List and Justices of the Peace (JPs) appointments are published in the Government Gazette today (July 1).
For the Honours List, 466 persons have been awarded by the Chief Executive, including:
| Award | Number |
| (a) | Grand Bauhinia Medal (GBM) | 3 |
| (b) | Gold Bauhinia Star (GBS) | 8 |
| (c) | Medal for Bravery (Gold) (MBG) | 1 |
| (d) | Silver Bauhinia Star (SBS) | 19 |
| (e) | Distinguished Service Medals for the disciplined services and the ICAC | 13 |
| (f) | Bronze Bauhinia Star (BBS) | 40 |
| (g) | Medal for Bravery (Bronze) (MBB) | 6 |
| (h) | Meritorious Service Medals for the disciplined services and the ICAC | 48 |
| (i) | Medal of Honour (MH) | 104 |
| (j) | Chief Executive’s Commendation for Community Service | 83 |
| (k) | Chief Executive's Commendation for Government/Public Service | 141 |
| | 466 |
The citations of the award recipients of the 2026 Honours List are provided in Appendix 1.
The award recipients come from different walks of life with diverse backgrounds. They have made significant contributions to Hong Kong in different areas, benefitting various domains and sectors of the community, including public and community service, education, medical and public health, finance, trade and industry, innovation and technology, charity, arts and culture, sports, housing, transport, construction and urban development, environment, religion, labour and welfare, women and youth affairs, and professional services.
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, expressed gratitude to all awardees for their significant contributions to Hong Kong, hoping that they will continue to excel in their own fields and serve the community.
Mr Lee said, "Last November, the late Mr Ho Wai-ho, Senior Fireman (Posthumous) gave his life in the line of duty during the firefighting and rescue operation in a No. 5 alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. In the course of performing his duty, notwithstanding the extreme heat and fierce blaze, he continued his rescue work and risked his life to save others. Mr Ho displayed unwavering dedication, utmost bravery and selfless devotion to the public. He merited the highest honour and respect, and is posthumously awarded the Medal for Bravery (Gold)."
The presentation ceremony for the awards will be held later this year.
Moreover, 65 persons have been appointed as JPs by the Chief Executive, of whom 44 were appointed under section 3(1)(b) of the Justices of the Peace Ordinance (Cap. 510) (commonly referred to as Non-official JPs), and 21 were appointed under section 3(1)(a) of the same ordinance (commonly referred to as Official JPs).
The main function of JPs is to visit correctional institutions, detention centres or other institutions to ensure their effective management and that no individual is unfairly treated or deprived of his or her rights. JPs will ensure that complaints lodged by individuals are handled in a fair and transparent manner.
The name list of JPs appointed under section 3(1)(b) and section 3(1)(a) of the Justices of the Peace Ordinance is provided in Appendix 2.
Source: AI-found images
