HONG KONG: Hong Kong Customs smashed a syndicate suspected of cross-boundary smuggling of mobile phones here the other day.
Hong Kong Customs intercepted an outbound container truck at Lok Ma Chau Control Point.A batch of used mobile phones were found in the false compartments of the axles of the trailer. Later, Customs officers searched a cargo yard in Tin Shui Wai where another batch of used mobile phones suspected for smuggling were seized.
During the operation, five men aged between 22 and 51 were arrested. A total of 4,467 used mobile phones, three vehicles and some loading tools for putting the mobile phones into the false compartments were seized. The seizure is worth about $4.8 million. Investigation is continuing.
The Customs’ Group Head of the Special Investigation Group of Syndicate Crimes Investigation Bureau, Mr Hui Wai-ming said that Hong Kong Customs would continue intelligence exchange and co-operation with Mainland Customs to combat cross-boundary smuggling.
Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of exporting unmanifested cargoes is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for 7 years.
