The Marine Police Small Boat Division, the Marine Police Regional Task Force, the Marine Police Port Division, the Marine Police Southern Division and the Customs Maritime Joint Task Force launched an anti-illegal immigration and anti-smuggling operation last night (3rd) in the waters south of Hong Kong .
Based on intelligence analysis and investigation, officers found that criminals were suspected of carrying out smuggling activities in the waters south of Hong Kong.
During the operation, officers stopped a cargo ship and seized about 23 tons of suspected smuggled frozen beef, beef offal and pig's trotters on the cargo ship. The total market value of the seized items was about 2.8 million yuan. Two people aged 40 and 61 were arrested on board Aged local men, they were suspected of "handling cargo with the intention of assisting others to export unmanifested cargo".
At dusk yesterday (3rd), officers spotted a cargo ship departing from Cha Kwo Ling via Victoria Harbor to the waters south of Cheung Chau.
Afterwards, a suspicious speedboat berthed beside the cargo ship.
After observation, the personnel suspected that the two ships were involved in smuggling activities and took action. The speedboat immediately fled to the south at high speed.
Officers immediately launched an operation to intercept and investigate, but the speedboat finally left Hong Kong waters and headed towards the mainland.
Officers finally successfully stopped the cargo ship, and seized about 23 tons of suspected smuggled frozen beef, beef offal and pig's feet on the cargo ship, with a total market value of about 2.8 million yuan.
In addition, personnel found that there was a lack of refrigeration facilities on the cargo ship, and the sanitation situation was worrying.
During the operation, officers arrested two local men, aged 40 and 61, on board the ship. They were suspected of "handling cargo with the intention of assisting others to export unmanifested cargo."
The case was handed over to relevant departments for further follow-up investigation.
According to the Import and Export Ordinance, anyone who exports unmanifested goods is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for 7 years upon conviction.
Officers seized about 23 tons of suspected smuggled frozen beef, beef offal and pig's trotters on board the cargo ship, with a total market value of about HK$2.8 million.
(provided by the police)
