Hong Kong Customs detected two suspected smuggling cases involving river trade vessels on April 20 and 21 respectively. Large batches of suspected smuggled goods with a total estimated market value of about $41 million were seized.

     Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, two river trade vessels departing from Hong Kong for Macao were selected for inspection on the abovementioned dates respectively. Upon examination, Customs officers aboard the vessels found a large batch of suspected smuggled goods, including suspected pharmaceutical products, cosmetic injections, cigars, suspected scheduled mobula gills and watches. 

     Investigations are 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 on all fronts. 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 crack down on 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/Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Issued at HKT 17:30

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