In an anti-smuggling operation conducted early this morning (August 18), Customs officers of Lok Ma Chau Control Point seized from an incoming private car about $2.88 million worth of unmanifested electronic products.
Shortly after midnight, Customs officers intercepted and searched an incoming private car declared to be carrying no goods. After conducting cargo examination, Customs officers uncovered behind the rear seats of the private car 300 computer hard disks bearing suspected forged trade mark and trade description, 3,207 mobile phones of assorted brands, and 2,800 pieces of RAM, worth about $2.88 million in total.
A 44-year-old male driver and two male passengers, aged 24 and 38, onboard were arrested for further investigation.
In combating cross-boundary smuggling activities, Hong Kong Customs officers will continue to stay vigilant at all control points, and conduct relentless crackdowns with the assistance of advanced equipment and intelligence exchanged with Mainland counterparts.
Anyone found importing unmanifested cargo will be charged under the Import and Export Ordinance. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty is a fine of $2 million and seven years' imprisonment. The smuggled goods and the vehicle involved are liable to forfeiture.
Ends/Thursday, August 18, 2005