Hong Kong and Shenzhen customs yesterday launched a joint crackdown on 'courier' passenger activities, Secretary for Security Lai Tung-kwok announces, adding it will continue until the end of the year.

Briefing the media today, Mr Lai said the two sides have set up a team to formulate strategy in combating such activities.

He said the Government is concerned about the congestion these 'courier' passengers create at the boundaries, and the pressure it creates at checkpoints. He believes order at the checkpoints will improve as the crackdown continues.

Commissioner of Customs & Excise Clement Cheung said 'courier' passengers are those who bring goods with tax differences between Hong Kong and the Mainland in their luggage from the Mainland to Hong Kong, or from Hong Kong to the Mainland.

Mr Cheung said more people are participating in these activities, and the practice had become more frequent and more organised. It diverts customs' manpower and gives law-breakers an opportunity to traffick drugs and smuggle other goods.

He added these 'courier' passengers increase the waiting time for Hong Kong residents and Mainland visitors at the boundaries. Their activities near the boundaries also affect the livelihood of people who live in North District.

Customs from both sides will cooperate and set up a mechanism to coordinate detection of 'courier' passengers activities. It will also launch joint operations with other departments including the Immigration Department and Police to control the situation and improve the livelihood of North District.