Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected smuggled goods worth about $16 million
Hong Kong Customs on June 12 seized large batches of suspected smuggled goods, with an estimated market value of about $16 million, at the Tuen Mun River Trade Terminal Customs Cargo Examination Compound.
Through risk assessment, Customs on that day inspected a 40-foot container, declared as carrying holiday decorations, arriving in Hong Kong from the Mainland. After inspection, Customs officers found large batches of suspected smuggled goods, including 82 000 alternative smoking products, small electrical appliances, toys, plastic parts and metal accessories.
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 activities at the forefront. Customs will keep up its enforcement action and continue to fiercely combat 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. Any person who imports alternative smoking products into Hong Kong also commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
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 suspected smuggled goods worth about $16 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected smuggled goods worth about $16 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs detects dangerous drugs case and seizes suspected drugs worth about $46 million
Hong Kong Customs on June 19, yesterday (June 22) and today (June 23) seized a total of about 100 kilograms of suspected ketamine and 3.5kg of suspected etomidate with an estimated market value of about $46 million. Two people were arrested.
Through risk assessment, Customs on June 19 inspected an air cargo consignment from the Netherlands, declared as water-based primer paint, arriving at Hong Kong International Airport. Upon inspection, Customs officers detected suspicious X-ray images on the consignment and found a total of about 100kg of suspected ketamine concealed in a batch of paint cans.
After an in-depth investigation, Customs officers conducted a controlled delivery operation yesterday and arrested a 63-year-old man and a 28-year-old man in Kwun Tong. Subsequently, Customs officers searched an industrial building unit in Kwun Tong, and found therein a batch of equipment for dismantling consignments.
Upon a follow-up investigation, Customs officers today further seized a Malaysia-bound parcel, suspected to be connected with this case, in an express centre in Yuen Long and found therein 3.5kg of suspected etomidate.
An investigation of the case is ongoing. The possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.
Customs will continue to enhance enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary returns. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong.
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.
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 dangerous drugs case and seizes suspected drugs worth about $46 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs detects dangerous drugs case and seizes suspected drugs worth about $46 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
