Hong Kong customs seize HK$33m in smuggled goods on river boats
Hong Kong customs officers intercepted two river vessels bound for Macau, seizing about 740,000 suspected pharmaceutical items worth around HK$33 million. The investigation continues and arrests are possible.
Hong Kong customs officers have seized about HK$33 million (US$4.2 million) in suspected smuggled goods in two separate cases involving river vessels, the department announced on 26 October.
Acting on intelligence analysis and risk assessment, officers inspected two river boats departing from Hong Kong for Macau on the same day. During the searches, they found about 740,000 suspected pharmaceutical products that were not declared on the vessels' cargo manifests.
The cases remain under investigation, and the customs department said it does not rule out further arrests.
Smuggling is a serious offence in Hong Kong. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, anyone who imports or exports undeclared cargo can face a maximum fine of HK$2 million and up to seven years in prison upon conviction. Exporting pharmaceutical products or drugs without a valid export licence is also illegal, punishable by a fine of up to HK$500,000 and up to two years' imprisonment.
The customs department said it continues to take a firm stance against smuggling, using risk management and intelligence-led enforcement strategies to conduct targeted anti-smuggling operations. It urged members of the public to report suspected smuggling activities via its 24-hour hotline at 182 8080, by email at [email protected], or through an online form.
