HONG KONG - The Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department Thursday said over 2.2 million HK dollars (about $282, 232) worth of electronic goods were seized in an anti- smuggling operation.

On September 7, Customs officers of the Special Task Force and Marine Enforcement Group mounted a joint operation in northeast waters of Hong Kong. At noon, a motorized sampan was intercepted for inspection.

Officers searched the sampan and found 138 tablet computers, 230 mobile phones and 5,450 computer memories, worth over 2.2 million HK dollars inside a hidden compartment near the oil tank.

A 54-year-old man was arrested at the scene for attempting to export unmanifested cargo. The Customs' investigation is continuing.

Smuggling is a serious offence under Hong Kong's Import and Export Ordinance. The maximum penalty is a fine of 2 million HK dollars and imprisonment for seven years.