​Hong Kong Customs yesterday (October 12) detected a suspected smuggling case involving a private car at the Heung Yuen Wai Control Point and seized about 12 kilograms of suspected smuggled bird's nests with an estimated market value of about $700,000.

     Based on risk assessment, Customs yesterday intercepted an outgoing seven-seater private car at the control point. Upon X-ray examination, Customs officers spotted irregularities in the images of the doors and rear parts of the vehicle. The batch of suspected smuggled bird's nests was found concealed inside the doors and the rear pillar.

     After an investigation, Customs arrested a 40-year-old male driver suspected to be connected with the case. He has been released on bail pending further investigation.

     Customs will continue to combat cross-boundary smuggling activities with firm enforcement action based on risk assessment and intelligence analysis.

     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) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).

Ends/Friday, October 13, 2023
Issued at HKT 16:50

NNNN