Customs officers arrested two mainland smugglers and seized 10 tonnes of frozen meat after a dramatic sea chase near the Macao Science Center off Nape early on Sunday morning.
The Macao Customs Office said that the officers were patrolling around Ponte da Amizade when they spotted a suspicious speedboat. They suspected that it was engaged in illegal activities, so immediately gave chase and intercepted it. Two people jumped off the speedboat when they were near the Macao Science Center and attempted to flee but the officers gave chase and apprehended them.
The two male suspects were taken in for questioning and the 10 tonnes of frozen meat were seized for further investigation. The customs officers, in accordance with Covid-19 prevention and control measures, tested the suspects’ temperature, and had them undergo a nucleic acid test, with the officers wearing proper protection gear. The Municipal Affairs Bureau has tested the meat for Covid-19 and the result was negative.
The suspects, both aged 40, are from Guangdong. The Customs Office said that both have breached the External Trade Law and Immigration Law, adding that they have been transferred to the Public Prosecutions Office.