Customs officers will enhance enforcement at all land boundary control points, due to couriers moving their smuggling activities from rail-based checkpoints to land ones, such as Lok Ma Chau, Man Kam To, and Shenzhen Bay.

This was the message from Customs & Excise Department Head of Land Boundary Command Leung Lun-cheung to the media today.

He said officers have mounted joint operations with Mainland counterparts against smuggling activities by couriers at boundary crossings since September 7, to ensure the smooth flow of traffic.

Through intelligence exchange, instantaneous notification, and stringent checks, customs officers have referred smuggling activities to Mainland authorities for follow-up action, resulting in the detection of a number of smuggling cases.

The department has successfully intercepted eight passenger couriers referred by Mainland authorities, and seized more than 5,000 duty-unpaid cigarettes.

"The department has deployed undercover officers to gather intelligence information with regard to the mode of smuggling and commodities type. The information will be provided to other relevant enforcement departments and related authorities for their follow-up so as to stem the smuggling activities at source,” Mr Leung said.

The joint operation between will continue until the end of the year.