​Hong Kong Customs yesterday (January 2) mounted an anti-smuggling operation at the Lok Ma Chau Control Point and detected a suspected smuggling case involving a cross-boundary lorry. About 180 000 pieces of integrated circuits, 300 pieces of mobile phone displays, 100 sets of security alarm systems and 80 closed-circuit television cameras, with a total estimated market value of about $1.5 million, were seized.

     Customs officers yesterday intercepted an inbound lorry declared as carrying blue-tooth headsets and transformers at the Lok Ma Chau Control Point. Upon inspection, the batch of suspected smuggled goods was seized inside the cargo compartment of the lorry. A 42-year-old male driver suspected to be connected with the case is assisting in the 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/Wednesday, January 3, 2024
Issued at HKT 16:05

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