Customs seizes MOP2.93 million in contraband across 16 smuggling cases

Customs intercepted 16 smuggling cases and seized contraband worth approximately MOP2.93 million during a weeklong enforcement operation targeting cross-border smuggling, the agency announced.

The operation, conducted from Sept. 18-24, spanned Macau International Airport, the Macau checkpoint of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the Inner Harbour and the Border Gate checkpoint.

Authorities said the crackdown was part of ongoing efforts to combat “parallel trader” activity, with enforcement deployment strengthened during long holidays and Golden Week periods and technological tools used to assist operations.

Officers seized about 116,000 e-cigarettes, 54,000 cigarettes, 51,000 health supplement pills, 1,480 boxes of medicines, 978 used electronic products, 544 beauty products and roughly 4 kilograms of suspected silver particles.

The total market value of the seized goods was estimated at about MOP2.93 million. The tax payable on the confiscated cigarettes alone amounted to about MOP81,000.

At the inbound passenger inspection areas of Macau International Airport and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge checkpoint, Customs officers inspected six mainland Chinese residents. During the inspections, officers found that the individuals had concealed goods such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes in their carry-on luggage in an attempt to smuggle them into Macau.

At the Inner Harbour, officers examined two batches of imported cargo. The inspection uncovered undeclared beauty products, used electronic products, health supplements and medicines. Authorities suspect the goods were illegally imported into Macau through false declarations.

Using technological equipment for monitoring and early warning, Customs officers at the outbound passenger inspection area of the Border Gate checkpoint identified abnormal images during machine inspections of five residents and three mainland Chinese residents.

A subsequent search revealed that the individuals had concealed used electronic products and suspected silver particles in their clothing and on various parts of their bodies in an attempt to smuggle the goods out of Macau.

Penalties and follow-up

The individuals involved in the cases ranged in age from 18 to 50. Customs has initiated proceedings against them in accordance with the provisions of the Foreign Trade Law.

Authorities noted that once the illegal acts are proven, offenders may face a maximum fine of MOP100,000, and the seized goods will be declared as belonging to the Macao SAR.

Among those involved, six are also suspected of violating the provisions of the Tobacco Control Regime. Their cases have been referred to the Health Bureau for follow-up.

Customs called on all persons carrying articles into and out of the territory to comply with relevant legal provisions and urged the public not to engage in illegal trafficking activities for the sake of profit. The agency said it will continue to strengthen inspection work at all border checkpoints and combat all types of illegal trafficking activities carried out through concealment or disguise.