Hong Kong customs seize HK$26m in smuggled goods on two ocean-going vessels
Hong Kong customs seized about HK$26 million in smuggled goods from two ocean-going vessels. One container to Australia held electronics and household items, while another to India contained over 7,000 used computers. Investigations continue.
Hong Kong customs have seized about HK$26 million in suspected smuggled goods from two ocean-going vessels, the department announced on 29 October.
In the first case, officers inspected two containers originally destined for Australia that were declared as carrying storage racks and plastic boxes. Inside, they found more than 8,000 items of electronic products and household goods believed to have been smuggled.
In the second case, a container bound for India and declared as containing chimney accessories and infrared accessories was found to hold more than 7,000 suspected smuggled used computers.
Both cases remain under investigation, and customs said arrests cannot be ruled out.
Customs said it had deployed the operation based on intelligence analysis and risk assessment, which revealed that criminals were trying to use ocean-going vessels to smuggle goods.
Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, anyone found guilty of importing or exporting goods not declared on a cargo manifest can be fined up to HK$2 million and jailed for up to seven years.
Customs urged the public to report suspected smuggling via its 24-hour hotline at 182 8080, by email at [email protected], or through an online form.