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Hong Kong Customs yesterday (December 3) detected a case of smuggling in Hong Kong's western waters and seized about 2 600 kilogrammes of geoduck clams and a fishing vessel with a total value of over $1.3 million. Two men, aged 49 and 56, were arrested in the case.
Officers of the Customs Marine Enforcement Group last night intercepted an outgoing fishing vessel off Lung Kwu Tan, Tuen Mun, for inspection and found 105 boxes of live geoduck clams inside a secret compartment. The vessel and the goods were seized and the coxswain and a crew member were arrested.
A Customs spokesperson today (December 4) said that smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
The Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement action to combat sea smuggling activities. Members of the public can report suspected smuggling activities to the Customs using the 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Issued at HKT 17:01
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