Hong Kong Customs officers have seized 284 suspected smuggled smartphones with an estimated market value of about $860,000 at Lok Ma Chau Control Point.

Officers intercepted an unladen outgoing container tractor at the border and seized 284 smartphones which were concealed inside the false compartments of two battery boxes. The 37-year-old male driver and suspected smartphone smuggler was arrested and charged with one count of attempting to export unmanifested cargo.

A Hong Kong Customs spokesman said smuggling is a serious offence.

“Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.”