16 Arrested Over Smuggling Of Eels, Beef And HPV Jabs

Marine police and customs officers on Monday said they have arrested nine locals and seven illegal immigrants, after seizing 122 tonnes of smuggled goods worth HK$19 million in several operations during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

In the latest joint operation on Sunday night, authorities said they gave chase to a suspicious-looking speedboat carrying three men in waters near the Hong Kong International Airport.

The trio, aged between 18 and 22, were arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle goods into the mainland.

Officers said the haul included 61 boxes containing Wagyu beef, baby eels and HPV vaccines with an estimated market value of over HK$5 million.

Divisional commander Keith Lau said marine police are tracing the source of the smuggled items.

Senior Customs inspector Kenneth Tang, meanwhile, urged members of the public not to buy vaccine with an unknown origin.

"This is the first time for us to seize HPV vaccine during an anti-smuggling operation. We haven't had a similar seizure this year. We believe these vaccines are being smuggled into the mainland," he said.

"But of course these vaccines have not been refrigerated, and have not been inspected. The quality is in doubt. We urge the public not to buy vaccines with unknown origin."