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Hong Kong Customs this afternoon (October 29) seized a batch of smartphones and computer central processing units with a total value of about $0.97 million at Lok Ma Chau Control Point.
At about 1.30pm today, Customs officers of the Lok Ma Chau Division intercepted an outbound truck with a 40 foot container which was declared as carrying 800 bags of "plastic granule".
A suspicious image was found upon X-ray inspection. After a detailed vehicle search, Customs officers found 12 packs of unmanifested cargo containing 200 new-model smartphones and 340 computer central processing units worth around $0.97 million in total inside the driving compartment. The male driver, aged 39, was arrested. The case is still under investigation.
Smuggling is a serious offence under the Import and Export Ordinance. Any person found guilty of attempting to export unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Hong Kong Customs will continue to combat smuggling activities and keep a close watch due to the recent trend in parallel-trade activities. Members of the public are urged to report any suspected smuggling activities by calling the Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Monday, October 29, 2012
Issued at HKT 19:51
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