Inlet
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The Small Boat Division of the Marine Police seized over two million worth of suspected smuggled American Ginseng off Starling Inlet, Sha Tau Kok yesterday early morning (August 24).
At about 2.30am yesterday, two police speedboats were laying ambush in Starling Inlet. They spotted a few unlit speedboats travelling at high speed towards Mainland China.
The Police started to chase the group of speedboats but they split up and fled in different directions. Within a minute, the Police located one of the speedboats stationery in water with no persons onboard.
Thirty-six cartons of American Ginseng were found onboard the speedboat. The total weight of the ginseng found was 1800kg with a total value over two million.
The speedboat was brought back to Marine North Division Base and the case is classified as "attempting to export unmanifested cargo".
The case was handed over to the Customs and Excise Department for follow-up actions.
Police are concerned the current smuggling situation in Mirs Bay not only because smuggling itself is a serious offence, but also it is extremely dangerous to have high-powered unlit speedboats operating at night in this area.
Police will mount operation on a regular basis to stop the smuggling activity and these operations are effective in controlling the situation.
Add Police Report No. 5
Issued by PPRB
Ends/Thursday, August 25, 2005
Issued at HKT 17:32
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