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Hong Kong Customs yesterday (December 17) mounted anti-smuggling operations in New Territories North and smashed a sea-smuggling case in Lau Fau Shan and two other smuggling cases at Lok Ma Chau Control Point.
During the operations a batch of electronic products, including the latest tablet computers, smartphones, digital cameras and camera lenses were seized along with a wooden vessel and two lorries worth about $5.76 million in total. Two male drivers, aged 33 and 44, were arrested in the Lok Ma Chau cases.
At about 6.30pm yesterday, Customs officers of the Marine Enforcement Group found several men unloading goods from a trolley onto a wooden vessel on the seashore near Deep Bay Road, Lau Fau Shan. The officers took action and the suspects immediately fled.
Customs officers then seized 30 boxes of goods containing a total of 420 tablet computers, 240 smartphones, 154 digital cameras, 84 camera lenses and the vessel at the scene. The seizure value was about $3.67 million. No arrest was made in the operation.
Another two smuggling cases were intercepted yesterday in Lok Ma Chau Control Point at about 7pm and 8.30pm respectively. A total of 303 latest models of smartphones and two lorries were seized, worth about $2.09 million in total.
Acting on information, Customs officers of the Special Task Force and Lok Ma Chau Division mounted a joint operation and intercepted two outbound lorries both declared to be empty. Upon detailed vehicle inspection, 303 unmanifested smartphones were found hidden under the truck's chassis near the propeller shaft.
The drivers were arrested for "attempting to export unmanifested cargo". The investigation is continuing.
Smuggling is a serious offence under the Import and Export Ordinance. Any person found guilty of attempting to export unmanifested cargoes is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
The Customs will take continuous action against smuggling activities. Members of the public are urged to report any suspected smuggling activities to the Customs through the Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Issued at HKT 19:20
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