Hong Kong customs arrest driver, seize HK$10 million in smuggled goods

Hong Kong customs officers have arrested a 39-year-old truck driver and seized goods valued at approximately HK$10 million (US$1.27 million) in a suspected smuggling operation. The interception occurred on June 4 at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge crossing, involving a vehicle bound for Macau.

Customs officers, acting on intelligence and risk assessment, selected a cross-boundary goods vehicle for inspection. While the vehicle was declared to be carrying wine, garments, health supplements, and cameras, X-ray imaging revealed discrepancies. Upon examination, officers discovered a large quantity of undeclared items concealed within the cargo, including cosmetic injections, weight-loss injections, suspected Part 1 poisons, and fish maw. Approximately 270kg of fish maw was among the seized items.

Authorities believe that smugglers are attempting to evade detection by mixing illicit goods with declared cargo and concealing them deep within vehicles. Smuggling is a serious offense in Hong Kong, carrying a maximum penalty of a HK$2 million fine and seven years imprisonment under the Import and Export Ordinance.