Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected smuggled raw amber rock (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (May 11) seized about 50 kg of suspected smuggled raw amber rock with an estimated market value of about $1.5 million at Shenzhen Bay Control Point.

     Customs officers intercepted an outgoing private car at Shenzhen Bay Control Point yesterday and seized about 50 kg of suspected raw amber rock underneath the passenger seats and in the boot of the car. 

     The 38-year-old male driver was arrested and charged with one count of attempting to export unmanifested cargo. He will appear at the Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts on June 7.

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