During its ongoing operations to crack down on people illegally transporting silver granules across the border, the Customs Service (SA) announced that it seized another 100 kilograms of the precious metal in the past week.
According to an SA report, between March 13 and 19, Customs intercepted 36 cases of suspected silver smuggling at the Border Gate and Qingmao border crossings, seizing about 100 kilograms of silver with a market value of approximately MOP2.04 million.
Among the 36 detained suspects, 19 are local residents, 12 are from the mainland, and five are from Hong Kong.
In a report, SA said, “Upon inspection, it was found that the 36 individuals had concealed a total of approximately 100 kilograms of suspected silver in their personal belongings, clothing, and various parts of their bodies, attempting to smuggle it out of Macau.”
Those involved were aged 16 to 74 and have all been prosecuted in accordance with the provisions of the Foreign Trade Law.
Upon conviction, they could face a maximum fine of MOP50,000, and the seized goods will be declared the property of the Macau Special Administrative Region.
As on previous occasions, the SA also noted that some of the individuals are young and students in local schools, prompting notifications to the Education and Youth Development Bureau for follow-up.
Last week, the SA reported finding 42 suspects transporting approximately 138 kilograms of the same product out of Macau, with an estimated total market value of MOP3.01 million.
According to the report, the precious metal was found using portals installed at border checkpoints, which can quickly and efficiently detect concealed objects and packages on the body.
