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Hong Kong Customs smashed two suspected smuggling cases at Sha Tau Kok Control Point on March 16. A total of 817 smartphones and 50 RAM chips, amounting to about $5.2 million, was found inside false compartments in the rear axle gear compartments of two outgoing container trucks. Two male drivers, aged 47 and 39, were arrested.
Customs officers in the afternoon of March 16 intercepted an outgoing truck with an empty 40-foot trailer, declared to be carrying no goods, for inspection. The officers uncovered 359 smartphones concealed inside a false compartment in the rear axle gear compartment of the truck. A 47-year-old male driver was arrested.
Later on the same day, Customs officers intercepted another outgoing container truck with an empty 40-foot trailer, which was also declared as having no goods on board, for inspection. They found 458 smartphones and 50 RAM chips concealed inside a false compartment in the rear axle gear compartment of the truck. A 39-year-old male driver was arrested.
The two arrested persons are on bail pending further investigation.
A Customs spokesperson said today (March 18) that the department will continue its stringent enforcement against smuggling activities by 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/Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:00
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