Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected counterfeit goods worth over $10 million in "Hot Shoes" operation
Hong Kong Customs conducted a two-week enforcement operation codenamed "Hot Shoes" from October 6 to 17 to combat counterfeit footwear products via cross-boundary transshipment cargo. During the operation, Customs detected nine related cases and seized about 18 000 items of suspected counterfeit goods, including footwear and clothing, with an estimated market value of over $10 million. Two persons were arrested.
Through intelligence analysis and detailed investigations, Customs detected seven related cases at various local logistics companies. More than 11 000 items of suspected counterfeit goods with a total estimated market value of over $5.6 million were seized.
Moreover, Customs detected two other related cases at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port. Based on risk assessment, Customs officers intercepted two incoming trucks on October 8 and 14, and seized about 6 700 items of suspected counterfeit goods with an estimated market value of over $4.6 million in total. Two male truck drivers, aged 59 and 65, were arrested. Investigations into the cases are ongoing. Two arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation.
Customs appeals to consumers to purchase goods at reputable shops or websites to avoid buying counterfeit goods. Practitioners in the logistics industry should also comply with the requirements of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO) and check with the trademark owners or authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt.
Customs will continue to step up inspections and conduct intelligence-led enforcement to vigorously combat different types of counterfeit and infringing goods activities.
Under the TDO, any person who imports or exports or sells or possesses for sale any goods to which a forged trademark is applied commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
Members of the public may report any suspected counterfeiting 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 suspected counterfeit goods worth over $10 million in "Hot Shoes" operation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected counterfeit goods worth over $10 million in "Hot Shoes" operation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected counterfeit goods worth over $10 million in "Hot Shoes" operation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (May 9) detected a drug trafficking case involving passenger at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 2.25 kilograms of suspected heroin, four tablets of suspected Viagra and 26 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarette, with a total estimated market value of about $1.4 million. A man was arrested.
A 61-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found a total of about 2.25 kg of suspected heroin in his check-in suitcase, and four tablets of suspected Viagra and 26 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarette in his carry-on backpack. The man was subsequently arrested.
The arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, one count of possession of Part 1 poison, one count of possession of dutiable goods and one count of failing to declare to a member of the Customs and Excise Service the possession of dutiable goods. The case will bebrought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (May 11).
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, any person who possesses any poison included in Part 1 of the Poisons List other than in accordance with provisions commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for two years.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, any person who imports, possesses, sells or buys dutiable commodities without a valid licence commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking 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 detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
