HK$940,000 worth of smuggled medicines, anti-epidemic supplies nabbed by HK Customs

Hong Kong Customs mounted a special operation at land boundary control points between December 27 last year and January 1 this year to combat smuggling activities by cross-boundary goods vehicles under the epidemic. Photo shows some of the suspected smuggled medicines and anti-epidemic supplies seized.

Hong Kong Customs said on Tuesday it has detected land boundary smuggling of medicines and anti-epidemic supplies worth HK$940,000

Hong Kong Customs intercepted five suspected cross-boundary goods vehicle in a six-day operation (27 December-1 January) in combatting smugglers under the epidemic.

 The Customs has detected the said cases involving cross-boundary good vehicles at Shenzhen Bay Control Point, Man Kam To Control Point and Lok Ma Chau Control Point.

They also seized a batch of suspected smuggled medicines and anti-epidemic supplies, as well as proprietary Chinese medicines, pharmaceutical products, rapid-antigen test kits, fever patches and thermometers.

 The suspected smuggled goods has an estimated worth of about $940,000, with the quantity of over 3,900.

Five male drivers, suspected to be connected with the aforementioned cases and aged between 38 and 59, are assisting the investigation.

Smuggling is a serious offence in Hong Kong. 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.

Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, any individual who possesses any poison included in Part 1 of the Poisons List other than in accordance with provisions commits an offence.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for two years.The Hong Kong Customs likewise advised members of the public not to involve themselves in such illegal activities.

“Customs will continue to combat cross-boundary smuggling activities with firm enforcement action based on risk assessment and intelligence analysis.” Customs said.

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).