Customs seizes unmanifested bird nest and ginseng

12 Jan 2007

Last night (January 11), Customs officers of Man Kam To Control Point seized from an outgoing private car unmanifested goods, including 10 kg of bird nest, 18 kg of ginseng, 100 pieces of circuit boards, 3 Kg of Chinese medicine "bezoar", 5 cameras and 5 camera lens.

The total seizure value was $929,720.

A 54-year-old male driver and a 48-year-old male passenger were arrested. They are on bail pending further investigation.

At about 8.45pm last night, Customs officers intercepted an outgoing private car and found from its boot and the space next to the driver's seat the manifested goods.

A spokesman of Customs and Excise today (January 12) said, "In light of upcoming Lunar New Year, Hong Kong Customs will step up enforcement and maintain close co-operation with Mainland Customs to combat cross-boundary smuggling activities."

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

Ends/Friday January 12, 2007

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