The Macao Customs Service said in a statement on Saturday that it intercepted 23 smuggling cases at several border checkpoints between September 4 and 10, seizing contraband with a total estimated value of about 2.98 million patacas.
The cases were detected at the local airport, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Macao Port (checkpoint), the Barrier Gate checkpoint, and the Inner Harbour Ferry Terminal.
The seized goods included roughly 53,000 cigarettes, 32,000 e-cigarettes, 195 beauty products, 108 second-hand smartphones, about 73 kg of suspected silver granules, 60 bottles of spirits, 48 bottles of Chinese liquor, 35 designer handbags and clothing items, and seven watches. The cigarettes involved carried an estimated tax liability of about 80,000 patacas, the statement said.
During the period, Customs officers detected two mainland residents carrying large quantities of cigarettes concealed in their luggage at the local airport. At the HZMB Macao Port, officers intercepted three people separately carrying e-cigarettes, beauty products, watches, designer goods, and clothing concealed in their luggage.
In the other cases, Chinese liquor was found concealed inside a cross-border vehicle, while second-hand smartphones and silver granules were concealed on the bodies of two mainland residents, five Hong Kong residents, and nine local residents at the Barrier Gate. Customs officers also detected an under-declaration involving imported spirits at the Inner Harbour Terminal.
The suspects, aged between 18 and 56, face legal proceedings initiated by Macao Customs Service under the provisions of Macau’s External Trade Law. If the offences are proven, a maximum fine of 100,000 patacas may be imposed, while the seized goods will be forfeited to the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR). Furthermore, one of the smugglers is suspected of violating the Tobacco Prevention and Control Law, with his or her case referred to the Health Bureau (SSM) for follow-up action.
The Customs Service urged members of the public to comply with relevant cross-border legislation and refrain from engaging in illicit trafficking for financial gain. The service said it would continue to strengthen inspections at various checkpoints to crack down on smuggling activities involving concealment or disguise.
Residents who discover suspected offences can report them to Customs Service by telephone on 2896 5001, by fax on 2896 5003, or via email at info@customs.gov.mo.
Zhuhai’s Gongbei Customs seizes 10 kg of silver hidden in Macau vehicle
Meanwhile, Zhuhai’s Gongbei Customs announced in a statement on Saturday that its officers intercepted a cross-border vehicle carrying 10 kg of concealed silver granules at Hengqin Port on August 14.
According to the statement, customs officers inspecting the incoming passenger vehicle lane spotted an anomaly in the X-ray image of a vehicle arriving from Macau, prompting them to halt the vehicle for a detailed inspection.
A subsequent search revealed silver granules hidden inside a customised metal compartment welded beneath the rear-seat power battery.
The consignment was later verified as fine silver, weighing a net total of 10 kg*. The case is being handled further by mainland authorities.
*Based on the average global silver price as of yesterday, 10 kg of silver granules was worth 167,400 patacas. - Gemini
This undated handout photo provided by Macau Customs Service on Saturday shows e-cigarettes, beauty products, watches, other branded goods and clothing seized by its officers at the HZMB Macao Port (checkpoint) recently.
