Hong Kong Customs seizes smuggled goods worth over $3 million
Hong Kong Customs on October 17 detected a suspected case of using an ocean-going vessel to smuggle goods to Pakistan at the Kwai Chung Container Terminals. A batch of suspected smuggled goods with an estimated market value of over $3 million was seized.
Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, Customs discovered that criminals intended to use ocean-going vessels to smuggle goods. Strategic enforcement operations were formulated, with a suspicious container, scheduled to be shipped from Hong Kong to Pakistan via an ocean-going vessel and declared as containing mixed metal and used machinery, was selected for inspection.
On October 17, Customs officers examined the container at the Kwai Chung Container Terminals, and found a batch of suspected smuggled goods, including electronic goods, watches, cosmetic products and accessories, therein.
An investigation is 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 offences on all fronts. Customs will keep up its enforcement action and continue to resolutely combat sea smuggling activities through proactive risk management and intelligence-based enforcement strategies, and carry out targeted anti-smuggling operations at suitable times to disrupt relevant crimes.
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 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Hong Kong Customs seizes smuggled goods worth over $3 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
