Hong Kong Customs detected two air freight smuggling cases of suspected precious metals on March 2, and seized about 168 kilograms of suspected gold foil and about 285kg of suspected silver foil, with a total estimated market value of about $233 million, at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). Both cases represent the largest precious-metal smuggling cases detected by Customs on record in terms of the seizure market value.

     Based on risk assessment, Customs on that day examined two outbound air cargo consignments, declared as carrying multifunctional cleaners and UV cleaners departing for Japan, at the Customs Cargo Examination Compound at HKIA. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected gold foil and suspected silver foil concealed in over 4 000 cleaners from the consignments.

     An investigation is ongoing. The likelihood of arrests is not ruled out.

     Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement actions against all kinds of smuggling activities through risk assessment and intelligence analysis.

     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.
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     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/Thursday, March 5, 2026
Issued at HKT 17:30

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