Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected smuggled gold bars worth about HK$1.2m

Hong Kong Customs announced on Friday that they have seized two suspected smuggled gold bars, weighing about 2 kilograms in total, with an estimated market value of about $1.2 million at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point on Thursday.

Based on risk assessment, customs intercepted an outgoing seven-seater vehicle yesterday afternoon (Aug 8) at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point for inspection.

Upon X-ray examination, customs officers spotted irregularities in the image of a power bank and found two suspected smuggled gold bars concealed inside.

Customs arrested a 40-year-old male driver.

An investigation is ongoing and the likelihood of further arrests has not been ruled out.

A customs spokesman stated that they will continue to combat cross-boundary smuggling activities with firm enforcement action based on risk assessment and intelligence analysis.

The spokesman further added that smuggling is a serious offense, and under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of HK$2 million and imprisonment for seven years upon conviction.