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

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (November 17) night mounted an anti-smuggling operation in the south-western waters of Hong Kong and detected a suspected cargo vessel smuggling case. About 100 tonnes of suspected smuggled frozen meat with an estimated market value of about $5 million were seized.

     Customs officers yesterday night conducted an anti-smuggling operation and spotted a suspicious cargo vessel in the waters off Telegraph Bay. 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, three men aged between 38 and 47, suspected to be in connection with 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).