In an anti-smuggling operation conducted in the southern waters of Tung Ping Chau yesterday (April 1), Customs officers successfully intercepted two speedboats and seized a large quantity of high-value electronic goods, worth about $3.3 million, in the concealed compartments of the speedboats. Two Hong Kong people were arrested.
Over 30 Customs officers of the Special Task Force and the Marine Enforcement Group conducted a joint anti-smuggling operation in the southern waters of Tung Ping Chau yesterday. At about 3pm, Customs Officers noticed two speedboats traveling at high speed across Mirs Bay heading towards the Mainland. Two Customs High Speed Pursuit Crafts were deployed for the interception. Before leaving the waters of Hong Kong, the two speedboats were eventually intercepted. One Hong Kong male was found on board of each speedboat. Upon enquiry, they claimed their boats were heading towards Nam Ao for repair and had nothing to declare.
After examination, Customs Officers unveiled under the fuel tanks secret entrances leading to concealed compartments at the bottom part of the speedboats. Inside the compartments, Customs Officers discovered 38 cartons of high-value electronic goods including 3,191 hard disks, 5,953 mobile phones, 240 CPUs and a massive quantity of USB Flash Memory. Seizure value amounted to HK$3.3 million.
The two Hong Kong males who declared to be fishermen, aged 30 and 46, were arrested. The investigation is still on-going.
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. To report offences relating to smuggling, please call Customs Hotline 2545 6182 (24-hour service).
Ends/Friday, April 2, 2010