Hong Kong Customs and the Marine Police yesterday (April 10) conducted a joint-operation and detected a suspected smuggling case using speedboats in Lau Fau Shan. A total of 10 945 smartphones and 168 tablets were seized with an estimated market value of about $33 million.

     Customs officers and the Marine Police conducted an anti-smuggling operation at Lau Fau Shan yesterday afternoon and found several men at the seashore moving carton boxes from a private vehicle onto a speedboat. Customs officers and the Marine Police then took enforcement action and seized the batch of suspected smuggled electronic goods.

     After follow-up investigation, Customs officers searched an industrial building unit in Tuen Mun where a large amount of packing materials was further seized.

     In the operation, Customs arrested five men, aged between 18 and 53, in total. Two vehicles and two speedboats were also detained for further investigation. Investigation is ongoing.

     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.

     Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.

Ends/Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Issued at HKT 16:00

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