4 arrested as Hong Kong customs seizes over HK$25 million in contraband after boat chase
Dried shark fin, cigars and electronics products found in hidden compartment of fishing vessel bound for mainland China
Hong Kong customs has seized more than HK$25 million (US$3.2 million) worth of dried shark fin, cigars and electronic products found in a concealed compartment of a mainland China-bound fishing boat during an anti-smuggling operation.
The seized items included 400kg (882lbs) of dried shark fin, 1,200 cigars and 400,000 pieces of electronic parts.
About 3 million yuan (HK$3.22 million) in tax would have been evaded had the items been successfully smuggled across the border, according to customs.
Hong Yan, senior investigator of the Customs and Excise Department’s syndicate crimes investigation bureau, said on Monday that officers believed the goods were meant to be smuggled into the mainland where there was a big demand for upmarket products and dried seafood delicacies.
The items were seized last Saturday night when customs officers on patrol spotted the suspicious fishing boat being loaded with goods on a shore in Tuen Mun.
“We contacted the marine enforcement group for support as there were signs the fishing boat was leaving Hong Kong waters,” Hong said.
After a chase at sea, the fishing boat was intercepted by customs officers near the Hong Kong border off Tai O on Lantau Island.