Some of the suspected smuggled jewels seized by Hong Kong Customs on June 3, 2021. (PHOTO/HKSAR GOVERNMENT)
HONG KONG – Hong Kong Customs has seized a batch of suspected smuggled diamonds and jewels with an estimated market value of about HK$25 million (US$3.22 million), the biggest seizure of smuggled diamond in terms of market value by the customs.
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The jewels, including about 1,300 diamonds, 10 sapphires, one emerald and about 30 grams of point-size diamonds, were seized on Thursday in an outgoing light goods vehicle at Sha Tau Kok Control Point, the customs said in a statement issued on Friday.
The vehicle driver, a 47-year-old man, was arrested as the investigation was underway.
The customs vowed continued efforts to take stringent enforcement action against cross-boundary smuggling activities.
Anyone found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of HK$2 million and imprisonment for seven years.