Grounded: A non-civil aircraft suspected to be a controlled item has been impounded by Customs for investigations.

A non-civil aircraft suspected to be a controlled item has been impounded by Customs for investigations.

On April 2, Customs officers found the aircraft in a container from Ukraine. The container was destined for the US via Hong Kong.

The aircraft consisted of incomplete parts and had no engine. It was not carrying a weapon.

Initial investigations showed that the aircraft had been declared in the manifest, but was not covered by an import licence.

So far, there is no indication that the shipment was connected with smuggling. Investigations are under way.

There is a comprehensive and stringent licensing control system for the import, export and transshipment of strategic commodities.

The scope of items subject to licensing control is set out in the Schedules to the Import & Export (Strategic Commodities) Regulations of the Import & Export Ordinance.

The maximum penalty for anyone on summary conviction under the regulations is a fine of $500,000 and two years' imprisonment.