Hong Kong Customs and the Marine Police yesterday (September 18) mounted an anti-smuggling joint-operation and detected a suspected smuggling case using speedboats in the Northwest waters of Hong Kong. A batch of suspected smuggled goods were seized including watches, mobile phones, electronics goods, medicines and powdered formula, with an estimated market value of about $2.5 million.

     Customs officers and Marine Police officers spotted two suspicious speedboats in the waters off Lau Fau Shan during small hours on that day. Law enforcement officers took immediate action to intercept the two vessels when they intended to flee. During the interception, a man on one of the speedboats suddenly jumped onto another speedboat and eventually left Hong Kong waters.

     In the operation, Customs officers detained the speedboat suspected to be related to the case. The batch of suspected smuggled goods was seized from a secret compartment on board the speedboat.

     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.

     ýÿMembers 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/Saturday, September 19, 2020
Issued at HKT 11:30

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