Customs officers have foiled an attempt to smuggle 310kg in silver plates worth about $600,000 in a tractor. At about 5.40pm yesterday, officers searched the outgoing tractor towing a 20-foot container, declared empty by the driver, at Lok Ma Chau.

The Vehicle X-ray Inspection System found 225 silver plates concealed in the mechanical connection joint between the tractor and the trailer. The driver, 43, was arrested and charged with attempted export of unmanifested cargo, warranting a $2-million fine and seven years prison.