​Hong Kong Customs yesterday (September 21) mounted an anti-smuggling operation in the western waters of Hong Kong and detected a suspected case of using a river trade vessel to smuggle goods in the waters off Black Point. A batch of bet Mark Six lottery tickets, which will be drawn tonight, was seized. Also, a batch of suspected smuggled goods with an estimated market value of about $10 million, including tablets and brand new smart phones of latest-models, was seized.

     Customs officers yesterday afternoon conducted an operation against sea smuggling in the above-mentioned waters and intercepted a river trade vessel heading towards Macao. The batch of suspected smuggled goods was found by using the portable X-ray scanners.

     During the operation, Customs officers arrested two men, aged 37 and 59, suspected to be connected with the case. 

     An investigation is ongoing. The likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.

     Customs stresses that it will keep up its enforcement action and will continue to fiercely combat sea smuggling activities through proactive risk-management and intelligence-based enforcement strategies, along with mounting targeted anti-smuggling operations at suitable times to land a solid blow against relevant activities.

     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 Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

Ends/Thursday, September 22, 2022
Issued at HKT 18:15

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