HONG KONG: In the biggest seizure of its kind in three years, more than 5,000 computer parts worth about HK$7 million were found hidden in the axles of a Shenzhen-bound trailer truck on Tuesday, Hong Kong customs said.
The central processing units were hidden in the hollow centres of three axles under the trailer. Officers made the discovery after the truck was intercepted for inspection at the Lok Ma Chau border checkpoint at about 10am.
The driver was arrested for attempting to export unmanifested goods – an offence that carries a maximum penalty of a seven-year jail term and a HK$2 million fine. Assistant Superintendent Alan Lau Yau-lun from customs’ syndicate crime investigation bureau said the seizure of high-end computer products was the biggest of its kind in the past three years.
Lau said that checks revealed suspicious openings in the three axles under the trailer, leading to the discovery of the haul.
“Our frontline officers became suspicious after they saw fresh paint on the three axles. The truck and trailer are not new, but the three axles are clean despite rain in recent days,” he said. “The haul was found stuffed inside hollow centres of the axles.”
A total of 5,375 computer central processing units, with an estimated street value of HK$7 million, was found.
The truck driver, a 46-year-old Hong Kong man, was released on bail pending further investigation. Sources said he worked for a local logistics firm. Authorities were investigating if he was a member of a cross-border smuggling syndicate.
