A total of 138 smuggling cases involving cross-boundary vehicles registered in both Hong Kong and the Mainland were detected in the first 10 months of the year, up 16% over the same period last year.

Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam told lawmakers today that 153 people were arrested and the total value of smuggled items seized amounted to $82 million, down 51% over the same period last year.

Goods smuggled into Hong Kong mainly included illicit cigarettes, fuel, meat and poultry, while items smuggled into the Mainland mainly included computer peripherals, electronic products, electrical appliances, vehicles and parts.

Intelligence exchange network established

Mr Lam said customs authorities in both jurisdictions have established an intelligence exchange network and liaison officers. Both conduct regular joint operations at boundary control points, and this co-operation has proven effective.

The Customs & Excise Department is developing risk profiles to enhance the risk assessment of cargo clearance. "This on the one hand increases the accuracy of the selection for inspection, and on the other facilitates cargo flow," Mr Lam said, adding that advanced equipment has been extensively used to strengthen anti-smuggling activities.

In August 2001, the department bought two Mobile X-ray Vehicle Scanning Systems. Last year, two sets of fixed Vehicle X-ray Inspection Systems were also installed at Lok Ma Chau Control Point. Up to October this year, 79 smuggling cases, with seizures worth more than $164 million, have been made by the system.