The Macau Customs Office said in a statement yesterday that its officials chased a vessel near the Macau Science Centre off Nape early Sunday morning and seized 10 tonnes of smuggled frozen meat.
According to the statement, the officers were patrolling around Ponte da Amizade and spotted a suspicious speed boat. The officers suspected that it was engaged in illegal activities, so they immediately gave chase and intercepted it. The statement said that two people jumped off the speed boat when they were near the Science Centre and attempted to run away from the customs officers. However, the statement added, the officers gave chase on foot and were able to apprehend them.
The statement said that the two male suspects were taken in for questioning and the 10 tonnes of frozen meat were seized for further investigation. The statement said the customs officers, abiding by the government’s COVID-19 prevention and control measures, tested the suspects’ temperature, had them undergo a nucleic acid test (NAT), with the officers wearing proper protection gear. The statement also pointed out that the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) has tested the meat for COVID-19 and the result was negative.
The statement noted that the two suspects, both aged 40, are from Guangdong. The statement said that the both have breached the External Trade Law and Immigration Law, adding that they have been transferred to the Public Prosecutions Office (MP).
The statement said that when residents spot suspicious activities, they should report them to the Macau Customs Service by calling 2896 5001.
This handout photo provided by the Macau Customs Service yesterday shows its vessel chasing after a speed boat loaded with contraband meat near Ponte da Amizade (Friendship Bridge) on Sunday early morning.
