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Customs officers of Man Kam To Control Point yesterday (November 14) seized from an arriving lorry 225 cartons of smuggled goods, worth $3.29 million.
The seized contraband, including watches, garments, mobile phones, vehicle parts and electronic goods, were suspected to be counterfeits.
At about 11am, Customs officers intercepted an arriving lorry, declared to be carrying 1,006 cartons of assorted goods, namely, lamps, ceramics, garments and DVD players for cars.
After examination, Customs officers found in the loading compartment of the lorry 225 cartons of smuggled goods.
A 42-year-old Hong Kong male driver was arrested. He is on bail pending investigation.
Customs investigation is continuing.
A spokesman for the Customs and Excise Department today (November 15) stressed that the department would continue to take vigorous enforcement action against cross-boundary smuggling activities.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, the maximum penalty is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment of seven years.
People contravening the Trade Descriptions Ordinance will face a maximum penalty of a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
Ends/Thursday, November 15, 2007
Issued at HKT 15:56
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