Parallel trading crackdowns yield more arrests

Crackdowns on parallel trading have continued in Hong Kong, with further arrests.

As earlier reported, the Hong Kong SAR government last month arrested 2299 mainlanders suspected of parallel trading, and conducted 271 investigations after complaints by North District residents.

The latest forays have resulted in a further 29 arrests, with the government saying it is concerned about the impact of parallel trading activities on people’s daily lives, particularly in North District, Yuen Long and Tuen Mun.

Six joint enforcement operations between April 22 and May 2, named Windsand, were mounted by the Immigration Department (ImmD) and police in North District (including Sheung Shui and Lok Ma Chau), with a view to maintaining order on the streets and at boundary control points.

These actions resulted in the arrest of 29 mainland China suspects.

Also, the ImmD strengthened the interception of persons suspected to be involved in parallel trading activities. This resulted in 395 mainlanders being denied entry to Hong Kong.

At the same time, the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) has been exchanging intelligence and planning dedicated operations with Shenzhen authorities. The two sides cracked down on 38 smuggling cases involving parallel traders, with goods worth about $380,000 in total being seized.

Ramping up its checks of departing travellers, the C&ED detected 141 cases of people trying to export unlicensed powdered formula, involving 815kg.

Police officers were stationed at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line (LMCSL) control point and neighbouring areas to implement crowd management and special traffic arrangements. Four persons were arrested for entering and staying at the control point without having a valid permit.
Meanwhile, special teams set up by Lands Department (LandsD) district offices in Tuen Mun, Yuen Long and North District conducted large-scale inspections of more than 2400 units in the three districts as well as 22 agricultural lots. Warning will be issued where lease breaches are identified.

Further, the police and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) jointly stepped up enforcement actions against such issues as obstruction and nuisance in public places caused by parallel traders and stores. A total of 27 summonses were issued, as well as 200 fixed-penalty notices to offenders who littered and caused environmental hygiene problems.

Strict enforcement action will continue at black spots to minimise nuisance to residents, the police warn.

Enforcement actions were also stepped up by the police against road obstructions caused by illegal parking and the loading or unloading of goods in connection with parallel trading. This resulted in 465 fixed-penalty tickets being issued.

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