Hong Kong customs seizes HK$28 million of undeclared cargo on Macau-bound ship

Hong Kong Customs has intercepted a cargo vessel bound for Macau, uncovering HK$28 million (US$3.575 million) worth of undeclared items, including dried shark fins and alternative smoking products.

Patrolling officers intercepted the river trade vessel southwest of Hong Kong, near the waters off Fan Lau on Lantau on May 9, and found the poorly documented cargo, inspector Ivan Chan King-fung of the customs marine enforcement division said on Thursday.

Following the interception, customs officials escorted the vessel to the department’s marine base in Tuen Mun for a thorough search.

Authorities discovered a significant quantity of unregistered goods within the cargo hold, including suspected scheduled dried shark fins and seafood, cosmetic injection vials, electronic products such as gimbal stabilizers and various alternative smoking products, such as e-cigarettes.

Investigators also found that the tobacco products were packed inside boxes labelled with well-known nappy brands, a tactic likely used to evade detection.