Hong Kong Customs yesterday (July 15) cracked a cross-boundary smuggling case and seized $1.2 million worth of smuggled goods.

The haul included 774,400 sticks (65 cartons) of illicit cigarettes with a duty potential of $620,000, and 4,000 (11 cartons) suspected counterfeit computer memory cards printed with the wording of ¡§Made in Japan¡¨.

During the operation, 6 men and a woman, aged 34 to 59, were arrested. They are now on bail pending further investigations.

Investigation continues.

At 7.44am yesterday, Customs officers of Sha Tau Kok Control Point seized from an incoming lorry of a logistics company 618,400 sticks (52 cartons) of illicit cigarettes and 4,000 (11 cartons) counterfeit computer memory cards. A 42-year-old Hong Kong male driver was arrested.

Subsequently, Customs offices also seized from the logistics company¡¦s branch offices in Tsuen Wan and Hung Hom 156,000 sticks (13 cartons) of illicit cigarettes.

Meanwhile, Customs officers mounted a controlled delivery operation on the seized goods.

In the evening, Customs officers arrested 4 men and a woman at the branch offices of this company in Tsuen Wan and Hung Hom when they were collecting the seized illicit cigarettes.

On delivery of the seized counterfeit computer memory cards to the consigner at a commercial building in Sheung Wan, Customs officers arrested a man when he was collecting the goods.

The department will continue to take stringent enforcement against smuggling activities and maintain close liaison with the industry, said a spokesman of Customs and Excise Department.

Under the Import and Export Ordinance, smuggling is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (July 15) cracked a cross-boundary smuggling case and seized $1.2 million worth of smuggled goods. The haul included 774,400 sticks (65 cartons) of illicit cigarettes with a duty potential of $620,000, and 4,000 (11 cartons) suspected counterfeit computer memory cards printed with the wording of ¡§Made in Japan¡¨.

Ends/Wednesday, July 16, 2008