Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected counterfeit goods and alternative smoking products worth about $3 million
Hong Kong Customs on March 24 seized around 15 000 suspected counterfeit goods and 6 000 alternative smoking products with a total estimated market value of around $3 million at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port.
Through risk assessment, Customs on that day intercepted an incoming lorry at the HZMB Hong Kong Port. After inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected counterfeit goods and alternative smoking products inside the cargo compartment of the lorry. A 48-year-old male driver was subsequently arrested.
An initial investigation revealed that the batch of suspected counterfeit goods and alternative smoking products would have been transhipped to overseas regions.
The investigation is ongoing and the arrested man has been released on bail pending further investigation.
Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement action against counterfeit goods and smuggling activities through risk assessment and intelligence analysis.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who imports or exports 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.
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 violation of the above-mentioned Ordinances 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 and alternative smoking products worth about $3 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Civil Aid Service holds Passing-out Parade for 92nd Recruits and 14th Tactical Force Secondment Scheme
The Civil Aid Service (CAS) held the Passing-out Parade for the 92nd Recruits and 14th Tactical Force Secondment Scheme at its headquarters today (April 19). The parade was reviewed by the Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam.
Speaking at the Parade, Dr Lam said that the Department of Health (DH) has maintained close co-operation with the CAS over the years. Reflecting on history, from severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and human swine influenza to COVID-19, the CAS has provided crucial support in managing quarantine and isolation centres. Last November, the Centre for Health Protection of the DH, along with the CAS and multiple government departments, conducted a public health exercise codenamed "Amethyst" to test the response capabilities in handling Ebola cases and to strengthen interdepartmental arrangements and co-ordination. These exercises and preventive measures are key to enhancing overall epidemic prevention capabilities and ensuring a swift and orderly response in the event of a major infectious disease outbreak.
He said that from a public health perspective, comprehensive emergency preparedness directly affects the lives and health of citizens. The professional training received by CAS members in first aid, search and rescue, crisis management, and epidemic prevention support enables them to take immediate emergency actions at incident scenes. At the community level, they also assist in promoting disaster prevention and health awareness, enhancing the overall resilience of the population. It is this professionalism and selfless dedication that form the solid foundation of urban safety and health, he said.
During the ceremony, Dr Lam presented awards to outstanding recruits. The graduates staged demonstrations of vegetation firefighting and rescue techniques, showcasing the outcomes of their training.
A total of 72 recruits and 50 officers and members from the Tactical Force Secondment Scheme participated in the passing-out parade, with many graduates coming from diverse backgrounds. The CAS Recruit Training Certificate Programme has been recognised under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework as meeting the accreditation standards at Level 3 by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications. Graduates will be awarded the Certificate in Auxiliary Forces Basic Training (Civil Defence), and will apply their acquired knowledge and skills to serve society.
Recruitment of CAS officers and members is open for application throughout the year. Recruitment details and application forms are available on the CAS website (www.cas.gov.hk/eng/adult_recruitment.html).
Source: AI-found images
Civil Aid Service holds Passing-out Parade for 92nd Recruits and 14th Tactical Force Secondment Scheme Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Civil Aid Service holds Passing-out Parade for 92nd Recruits and 14th Tactical Force Secondment Scheme Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Civil Aid Service holds Passing-out Parade for 92nd Recruits and 14th Tactical Force Secondment Scheme Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Civil Aid Service holds Passing-out Parade for 92nd Recruits and 14th Tactical Force Secondment Scheme Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Civil Aid Service holds Passing-out Parade for 92nd Recruits and 14th Tactical Force Secondment Scheme Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Civil Aid Service holds Passing-out Parade for 92nd Recruits and 14th Tactical Force Secondment Scheme Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
