HK speedboat smuggling bust nets trove of luxury goods

While cross border smuggling has been a persistent problem, officials say it has exploded during the pandemic because Hong Kong has been all but shut off from the mainland. - Reuters

HONG KONG (AFP): Hong Kong customs announced their biggest ever bust of a speedboat gang smuggling luxury goods into the mainland on Thursday (June 10), unveiling a haul that included watches, handbags and shoes, endangered animal parts, cosmetics, wines, whiskey and cigars.

The massive seizure -- valued at HK$120 million (US$15.4 million) -- is a window into the thriving smuggling networks that operate along the border between Hong Kong and China.