A vehicle bound for Macau via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge has been found carrying gold bars worth HKD10 million (MOP10.3 million/ US$1.3 million), according to Hong Kong customs.
As many as 20 gold bars, each weighing one kilogramme, were found hidden
beneath a center console next to the driver’s seat, reported the South China Morning Post.
The incident came to light on Monday afternoon when the seven-seater car
was stopped for inspection at a checkpoint on the bridge.
A 32-year-old driver, a Macau ID holder, was apprehended during the
incident. He is now facing a maximum jail term of seven years and a
HKD2-million fine.
The customs authorities believe that the vehicle was heading for
mainland China, where smugglers could profit from a price difference.
Gold should be subject to a 50 percent tariff on the Chinese mainland
under strict import rules.
The seizure made on Monday was the first in over three years.