Hong Kong Customs detected two suspected smuggling cases at Lok Ma Chau Control Point last week, seizing 1543 used smartphones worth about $3.1 million.
And as the photo shows, smugglers are getting more creative with the ways they hide their illegal cargo.
Customs officers intercepted two outgoing container trucks declared as empty for inspection. Upon examination, false compartments at the axles of the trailers were found to contain used smartphones of different brands.
Two male drivers aged 42 and 43 were arrested and formally charged for attempting to export unmanifested cargo. The tractor units and trailers involved were detained pending further examination.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, the maximum penalty for attempting to export unmanifested cargo is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.