HONG KONG: Hong Kong authorities have arrested two men suspected of smuggling HK$10 million (US$1.28 million) worth of goods destined for the black market in mainland China after a high-speed chase on the open sea.
The operation was mounted by police and customs officers on Monday afternoon.
The pursuit began when police crafts were dispatched to apprehend two mainland-bound speedboats that were spotted off the southeast coast of Hong Kong Island.
According to police, the two speedboats were intercepted near Ng Fan Chau island during the chase.
“Sixty-eight boxes of smuggled goods were found on board the speedboats. The goods included mobile phones, digital cameras, camera lens, watches and electronic components. The haul has a market value of HK$10 million [US$1.3 million],” police said. Two men – both Hongkongers – aged 31 and 58, were arrested on board the speedboats.
In Hong Kong, exporting unlicensed and unmanifested goods carries a maximum penalty of a seven years in jail and a HK$2 million fine.
