Customs seizes HK$8.5 million in river-smuggling cases
HK01 · 4 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong Customs said it uncovered two suspected smuggling cases involving river trade vessels travelling from Hong Kong to Macau, with suspected contraband worth about HK$8.5 million seized. The cases were detected after officers inspected two vessels on August 19 and 20 and found suspected pharmaceutical products, cosmetic injections, cigars and Chinese herbal medicines on board.
Key Points
- Customs said the two cases involved river trade vessels that had departed Hong Kong and were heading to Macau when they were intercepted for inspection on August 19 and 20.
- Officers found a large batch of suspected smuggled goods on the two vessels, with the total estimated market value put at around HK$8.5 million.
- The seized items included suspected pharmaceutical products, cosmetic injection products, cigars and Chinese herbal medicines, according to the authorities' account of the haul.
- Customs said the operations were launched through intelligence analysis and risk assessment before the two outbound vessels were selected for checks
- The investigation is continuing and Customs said arrests have not been ruled out at this stage.
Why It Matters
The cases point to continued enforcement focus on outbound maritime smuggling routes between Hong Kong and Macau, especially where regulated goods may be concealed among cargo. Customs also reiterated that exporting pharmaceutical products and medicines without a valid export licence is illegal, while smuggling undeclared cargo carries penalties of up to a HK$2 million fine and seven years' imprisonment under the Import and Export Ordinance.