ýÿHong Kong Customs yesterday (January 29) detected a suspected smuggling case involving a cross-boundary goods vehicle at the Man Kam To Control Point and seized about 600 kilograms of suspected smuggled live lobsters with an estimated market value of about $400,000. 

     Based on risk assessment, Customs yesterday intercepted an outbound goods vehicle declared to be empty at the Man Kam To Control Point. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected smuggled live lobsters inside 26 styrofoam boxes among several stacks of styrofoam boxes inside the cargo compartment of the vehicle.

     After investigation, Customs arrested a 53-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, January 30, 2024
Issued at HKT 11:43

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