Customs seize $56m of smuggled goods on river vessel to Macau

Hong Kong Customs detected a suspected smuggling case last Wednesday (Jan 21). Officers seized undeclared goods worth about HK$56 million on a river trade vessel bound for Macau. Confiscated items included pharmaceuticals, cosmetic injections, and tobacco products.

The incident occurred when a Customs patrol vessel intercepted the river trade vessel off Black Point. Officers found large quantities of loose cargo and incomplete or rudimentary manifests. The vessel was escorted to the Customs fleet base in Tuen Mun for a detailed inspection, which revealed many undeclared items mixed with the declared cargo.

The shipment had been declared as wine, skincare products, and health supplements. Officers discovered undeclared pharmaceuticals, cosmetic injections, tobacco products, e-cigarette pods, mobile phones, watches, tablets, and designer clothing.

A senior officer from the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau said the smuggling appeared aimed at bypassing import-export regulations and avoiding duties. The officer added that the seized pharmaceuticals and cosmetic injections were labeled as containing Class 1 toxic substances and urged the public not to buy or use unverified products.

Authorities are investigating the origin and intended destination of the cargo, and arrests are possible.