Hong Kong Customs yesterday (October 16) detected a suspected smuggling case involving a medium goods vehicle at the Lok Ma Chau Control Point and seized 195 suspected smuggled mobile phones and 681 suspected smuggled computer RAM units with a total estimated market value of about $1.36 million.

     Based on risk assessment, Customs yesterday intercepted an outgoing medium goods vehicle at the control point. Upon X-ray examination, Customs officers spotted irregularities in the images of the underneath of the vehicle. The batch of suspected smuggled mobile phones and computer RAM units were found concealed inside the chassis frame under the cargo compartment of the medium goods vehicle.

     After an investigation, Customs arrested a 54-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/Tuesday, October 17, 2023
Issued at HKT 16:35

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