From April 21 to May 1, local customs officers separately intercepted 14 individuals, including a 16-year-old student, at the Barrier Gate and Qingmao checkpoints for attempting to smuggle a total of 152 used computer processors, 362 used mobile phones, and 80 used computer memory modules by hiding them under their clothing, according to a statement from the Macau Customs Service (SA) on Friday.
According to the statement, on the afternoon of April 23, customs officers noticed a suspicious 16-year-old schoolboy at the Barrier Gate checkpoint who appeared nervous and was walking stiffly. Customs officers suspected that he was concealing contraband. Upon inspection, they discovered that he had eight used mobile phones taped around his legs under his trousers in an attempt to smuggle them from Macau to Zhuhai.
The statement also noted that between April 23 and 30, customs officers identified several travellers acting suspiciously at both checkpoints. Two men concealed 80 used computer memory modules and 56 used mobile phones; five tourists, comprising two men and three women, hid a total of 147 used mobile phones; a woman concealed 120 used computer processors; two men had a total of 75 used mobile phones; another man hid 44 used mobile phones; one concealed 32 used computer processors; and a woman hid 32 used mobile phones. All of them were attempting to smuggle goods to Zhuhai.
The 14 suspects involved in these cases, aged from 16 to 73, comprised locals and mainlanders. The suspects face fines of up to 50,000 patacas each. The seized contraband will be declared property of the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR). Given that one of the suspects is a student, the Customs Service has informed the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ) about the case.
In the statement, the Customs Service reminded citizens carrying items in or out of Macau to adhere to relevant laws and regulations and to avoid engaging in smuggling activities for profit. Customs officers will continue to enhance inspections at Macau’s border checkpoints and crack down on all forms of smuggling, whether by hiding or disguising items, the statement said, adding that citizens who notice smuggling activities are encouraged to report them to the Customs Service via its hotline 2896 5001, fax 2896 5003, or email info@customs.gov.mo.
This undated handout photo provided by the Macau Customs Service shows a 16-year-old Macau smuggler with eight used mobile phones wrapped around his legs.
