Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected smuggled dried abalone (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (August 13) seized about 316 kilograms of suspected smuggled dried abalone with an estimated market value of about $1.9 million at Man Kam To Control Point.

     Customs officers intercepted two outgoing private cars at Man Kam To Control Point yesterday morning. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the above dried abalone on board the vehicles. A 32-year-old male driver, a 53-year-old female driver and two male passengers, aged 20 and 49, were arrested.

     Investigations are ongoing and the arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation.

     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).