Hong Kong Customs Seizes Suspected Smuggled Goods Worth About $4 Million from River Trade Vessel

Hong Kong Customs detects smuggling case involving river trade vessel with goods worth about $4 million seized

Hong Kong Customs detected a suspected smuggling case involving a river trade vessel on July 27. Large batches of suspected smuggled goods with a total estimated market value of about $4 million were seized.

Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, a river trade vessel departing from Hong Kong for Macao was selected for inspection on the abovementioned date. Upon examination, Customs officers aboard the vessel found large batches of suspected smuggled goods, including suspected pharmaceutical products, cosmetic injection vials, tobacco products, and suspected dried geckos.

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 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 crack down on 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 detected a suspected smuggling case involving a river trade vessel on July 27. Large batches of suspected smuggled goods with a total estimated market value of about $4 million were seized. Photo shows some of the suspected smuggled goods seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE expresses sorrow over passing of former Premier Zhu Rongji

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (August 12) expressed his profound sorrow over the passing of former Premier Mr Zhu Rongji.

"Former Premier Zhu had all along held the development of Hong Kong close to his heart and supported the city's growth. He had visited Hong Kong on multiple occasions in his different positions, reaching out to Hong Kong people from all walks of life. He had remained committed to firmly upholding the principles of 'one country, two systems', 'Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong' and a high degree of autonomy, and maintaining the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

"During his premiership, Mr Zhu had supported Hong Kong in staying united and striving to leverage its strengths amid such challenges as the Asian financial crisis, resolutely upholding the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong as an international financial centre. I am sincerely grateful for his care and support for Hong Kong's economic and social development over the years.

"I am profoundly saddened by the passing of former Premier Zhu. On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, I extend my deepest condolences to his family," Mr Lee said.