From May 17 to May 29, local customs officers separately intercepted five individuals at the Barrier Gate, Qingmao and Hengqin checkpoints for attempting to smuggle a total of 78 used mobile phones and 60 central processing units by hiding them under their clothing, and 10 kg of unquarantined seafood, 8.2 kg of pork, and 3.4 kg of chicken by hiding the contraband inside a car, according to a statement from the Macau Customs Service (SA) on Friday.
According to the statement, customs officers uncovered multiple smuggling attempts between May 17 and May 29. On May 17, they observed a man with an unusual walking gait at the Hengqin checkpoint and discovered that he had hidden 60 central processing units in his shoes. On May 20, another man acting suspiciously was found hiding 46 used mobile phones around his waist and legs. On May 22, officers at the Qingmao checkpoint detected a woman hiding 22 used mobile phones in a similar way.
The statement also noted that acting on an alert from Macau’s “Risk Management System,” customs officers intercepted a cross-border car on May 24 at the Barrier Gate, finding 10 kg of unquarantined seafood, 8.2 kg of pork, and 3.4 kg of chicken inside, attempting to smuggle the contraband to Macau. On May 28, a man appearing to be particularly nervous at the Qingmao checkpoint was found hiding 10 used mobile phones around his waist.
The five suspects involved in these separate cases, aged from 22 to 40, comprised locals and mainlanders. The suspects face fines of up to 50,000 patacas each for smuggling used phones and central processing units. The seized contraband will be declared property of the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR). The one who smuggled unquarantined meat and seafood to Macau faces a fine of up to 100,000 patacas, while the seized goods will be handed over to the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) for destruction.
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. 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 the contraband, 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 (SA) shows 10 kg of unquarantined seafood, 8.2 kg of pork, and 3.4 kg of chicken meat smuggled in a car.
