This represents the largest gold seizure by Hong Kong Customs to date, both in terms of volume and market value.

Last week, the officers, acting on a risk assessment, inspected an outbound air cargo consignment declared as plastic luggage destined for Japan. During the examination at the Customs Cargo Examination Compound at Hong Kong International Airport, a batch of luggage, contained within 14 cardboard boxes, was found to conceal the suspected smuggled gold.

An ongoing investigation is underway, with the possibility of arrests remaining. Smuggling is a serious offence under Hong Kong’s Import and Export Ordinance, carrying a maximum penalty of a HK$2m (c. £200,000) fine and seven years’ imprisonment.