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Customs mounted an anti-smuggling operation at Lok Ma Chau Control Point yesterday (March 5) and seized $1.9 million worth of smuggled electronic gadgets including 320 tablet computers, 75 smartphones and 40 digital cameras from an outgoing truck.
Around 7pm yesterday, Customs officers intercepted the truck at Lok Ma Chau Control Point before it could leave Hong Kong. According to the manifest submitted by the driver, the truck was allegedly carrying 149 cartons of "integrated circuit boards", but Customs found 10 more cartons containing the smuggled goods amidst the declared cargo. The male driver, aged 41, was arrested for attempting to export unmanifested cargoes. The investigation is continuing.
A Customs spokesperson said today (March 6) that smuggling is a serious offence under the Import and Export Ordinance. The maximum penalty is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Members of the public are urged to report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:43
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