​Hong Kong Customs detected two suspected smuggling cases involving ocean-going vessels on October 27 and 31. Large batches of suspected smuggled goods with a total estimated market value of about $64 million were seized.
      
     Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, Customs discovered that criminals intended to use ocean-going vessels to smuggle goods. Enforcement operations were thus formulated, with two suspicious containers selected for inspection.
      
     Customs inspected a container that was scheduled to be shipped to Malaysia from Hong Kong and declared as carrying zinc ore, and a container scheduled to be shipped to Iraq and declared as carrying mixed accessories and mixed kitchenwares, on October 27 and 31 respectively. Upon examinations, Customs officers found large batches of suspected smuggled goods, including assorted electronic products, electronic parts, cosmetics and household products in the two containers.
      
     An investigation is ongoing. The likelihood of arrests is not ruled out.
      
     Being a government department primarily responsible for tackling smuggling activities, Customs has long been combating various smuggling activities at the forefront. Customs will keep up its enforcement action and continue to resolutely combat sea smuggling activities through proactive risk management and intelligence-based enforcement strategies, and carry out targeted anti-smuggling operations at suitable times to disrupt relevant crimes.
      
     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 upon conviction.
      
     Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Ends/Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Issued at HKT 17:30

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