Hong Kong Customs yesterday (December 11) seized 43 suspected smuggled smartphones and about 5.8 kilograms of suspected smuggled agate with a total estimated market value of about $830,000 at Sha Tau Kok Control Point and Lok Ma Chau Control Point.

     Customs officers intercepted an outgoing private car at Sha Tau Kok Control Point for inspection yesterday afternoon and seized 43 smartphones with an estimated market value of about $250,000 from a false compartment in the private car.

     In the same afternoon, Customs officers intercepted two outgoing lorries at Lok Ma Chau Control Point and seized about 5.8kg of suspected smuggled agate in total with an estimated market value of about $580,000 from three waist bags found inside the driving compartments of the two lorries.

     During the operation, Customs arrested three male drivers aged between 42 and 46.

     Investigations are ongoing.

     Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.

Ends/Tuesday, December 12, 2017
Issued at HKT 17:35

NNNN