Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected smuggled dried shark fins and seafood (with photo)
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Customs officers of the Marine Enforcement Group spotted a suspicious fishing vessel leaving Hong Kong yesterday evening. Customs officers then took immediate action and intercepted the fishing vessel for examination. The batch of suspected smuggled goods was seized on board the vessel.
During the operation, Customs officers arrested two male crew members, aged 85 and 38, and seized the fishing vessel for 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.
Hong Kong Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement action to combat sea smuggling activities.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Issued at HKT 18:55
Issued at HKT 18:55
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