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Hong Kong Customs recently smashed a suspected smuggling case at Sha Tau Kok Control Point and seized a total of 855 smartphones, worth about $2.12 million hidden in three altered bottom axles of the trailer of an outgoing truck. A male driver, aged 42, was arrested and the truck and trailer were seized.
In the afternoon of April 23, Customs officers intercepted an outgoing truck with a trailer and a 45-foot container, declared to be carrying no goods, for inspection. The officers uncovered 855 smartphones concealed in three altered bottom axles of the trailer. The driver of the truck was arrested and is on bail pending further investigation.
A Customs spokesperson said today (April 25) that the department will continue to take stringent enforcement against cross-boundary smuggling activities with risk assessment and intelligence analysis.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, the maximum penalty for attempting to import or export unmanifested cargo is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Friday, April 25, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:51
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