Efficient Customs Vigilance Prevents Significant Smuggling of Popular Switch Games
Recently, Luohu Customs in Shenzhen, China, encountered a unique smuggling attempt involving video game cards. The incident occurred at the Luohu port of entry, where a passenger using an electric wheelchair was selected for a routine inspection. This seemingly ordinary procedure led to an extraordinary discovery: the passenger had ingeniously concealed 300 Switch game cards in a compartment beneath the wheelchair seat.
A Noteworthy Discovery
This discovery is particularly notable due to its scale and the inventive method of concealment. The smuggled game cards primarily included titles like “It Takes Two” and “Sniper Elite 4.” “It Takes Two,” known for its critical acclaim, won the prestigious Best Game award at The Game Awards (TGA) in 2021. The strategic placement of these cards in the wheelchair compartment was a calculated effort to evade detection by customs officials.
Evading Customs Regulations
The use of an electric wheelchair as a storage space for smuggling highlights the lengths to which individuals will go to bypass customs regulations. This incident is a stark reminder of the persistent and evolving challenges customs authorities face in their efforts to prevent smuggling. Smugglers continue to devise creative methods to transport prohibited or restricted goods, as well as items subject to legal taxation, across borders. A similar incident also happened recently in China, a man was caught smuggling 68 iPhones taped to his body, drawing attention from customs officers due to his peculiar walking.
The Illegality of Smuggling
Under Article 7 of the Regulations on Administrative Penalties of the People’s Republic of China Customs, smuggling activities such as concealing, disguising, or providing false information to evade customs supervision are illegal. These activities can include the transportation of goods that are prohibited, restricted, or subject to legal taxation obligations during entry or exit from the country.
Consequences and Economic Impacts
In light of this incident, customs authorities have issued a public reminder about the legal consequences of smuggling. They emphasize that such actions are not only a violation of customs regulations but also undermine fair trade practices and can have broader economic impacts. The authorities remain vigilant and are continually updating their methods and technologies to combat these sophisticated smuggling techniques.
