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A woman from Hong Kong was apprehended by customs officers at Gongbei Port in South China's Guangdong Province after attempting to smuggle six bottles of Moutai liquor strapped to her legs, according to a report by the General Administration of Customs of China on Wednesday.
The incident occurred on August 31 when the woman, traveling through the green channel - typically reserved for passengers with no goods to declare - aroused suspicion due to her unusual behavior. Customs officers noticed that her gait was abnormally stiff and her skirt appeared to have irregular bulges. This led to her being stopped for inspection.
Upon closer examination, officers discovered that the woman had hidden six bottles of the prestigious Moutai liquor, a high-end Chinese spirit known for its expensive price and limited availability. The bottles were wrapped in transparent plastic film and secured with elastic bandages around her thighs and calves, concealed beneath her clothing. The smuggled Moutai is worth a considerable amount on the black market, making it a common target for illegal transportation across borders.
With the price of Moutai often exceeding several thousand yuan per bottle, customs officials have become more vigilant in cracking down on such smuggling activities. Authorities warn that individuals attempting to bypass customs regulations by hiding, disguising, or falsely declaring goods are subject to severe penalties under Chinese law.
According to Chinese customs regulations, any act of evading customs supervision by transporting, carrying, or mailing prohibited or restricted goods is considered smuggling, which can result in hefty fines, confiscation of goods, and even criminal charges. The Gongbei Port customs officers emphasized their ongoing commitment to maintaining strict enforcement measures to curb illegal activities at border crossings.
Source: Global Times
