Hong Kong Customs detects frozen meat smuggling case by cargo vessel (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs mounted an anti-smuggling operation in the south-western waters of Hong Kong on the night of December 29 and detected a suspected cargo vessel smuggling case. About 32 tonnes of suspected smuggled frozen meat with an estimated market value of about $5 million were seized. 

     Customs officers conducted an anti-smuggling operation that night and spotted a suspicious cargo vessel in the waters off Peaked Hill to the southwest of Lantau Island. The officers subsequently took action and intercepted the vessel. The batch of suspected smuggled frozen meat was seized on board the vessel. 

     During the operation, four men aged between 38 and 68, suspected to be connected to the case, were arrested. 

     An investigation is ongoing. 

     Customs stresses that it will keep up its enforcement action and will continue to fiercely combat sea smuggling activities by proactive risk-management and intelligence-based enforcement strategies. Targeted anti-smuggling operations at suitable times will also be mounted to land a solid blow against relevant activities. 

     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 Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).