Codename ‘Wave Breaker’: Customs Authorities Seize 2,000 Bottles of Wine, Illicit Goods Worth $12.8 Million in Smuggling Crackdown

(Photo: The Government of Hong Kong)

From August to September, Hong Kong Customs detected six suspected smuggling cases in its special operation codenamed “Wave Breaker.” The total estimated market value of the seized goods was HK$100 million ($12.78 million), which included 2,000 bottles of wine.

Customs authorities suspected that criminals were using ocean-going and river-trade vessels to smuggle goods into China and neighboring countries. The investigation uncovered six vessels, four of which were ocean-bound while two were river-fairing vessels. When officers boarded the vessels they discovered 2,000 bottles of wine along with 240 pallets of electronic waste, about seven tons of shark fins and nearly three tons of frozen meat. 

Customs agents arrested three men, between the ages of 40 and 54 years old, in connection with the alleged illicit goods. 

In a statement, the Customs and Excise Department said, “Being a government department primarily responsible for tackling smuggling activities, Customs has all along been combating various smuggling activities proactively at the forefront. Customs will keep up its enforcement action and continue to fiercely combat sea smuggling activities through proactive risk management and intelligence-based enforcement strategies, along with mounting targeted anti-smuggling operations at suitable times to land a solid blow against relevant activities.”

Authorities have released the three men on bail as the case is being investigated further and have not ruled out further arrests. 

Hong Kong takes smuggling very seriously, and depending on the items that are being illegally imported or exported, offenses can come with stiff fines and prison time. 

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