Imagine the surprise of officials at Liantang Port, Guangdong, when they intercepted a passenger trying to smuggle 350 Nintendo Switch cartridges through Chinese customs. How did she attempt this daring feat? By packing the cartridges into her bra, of course. This audacious move surely left many tea-drinking Englishmen blushing in disbelief.
According to a customs release obtained by Hong Kong News, the woman raised suspicion by appearing “nervous and behaving abnormally” as she went through airport checks. These behaviors led the officials to pull her aside for further questioning. The 350 Switch cartridges found hidden on her person were valued at a staggering 70,000 yuan, equivalent to around £7,600 or $9,600. Smuggling undeclared goods through customs is a serious offense in most countries and can have severe consequences.
China’s General Administration of Customs has strict regulations against smuggling. If the cartridges are not considered prohibited items, they will be confiscated by the officials. Additionally, the individual may face fines of up to three times the amount of duties payable but evaded. The risk involved in such smuggling activities is undoubtedly high, as this bra-stashing incident demonstrates.
While this bra-based smuggling attempt may seem especially brazen, it is not the first time Nintendo products have been intercepted at customs. In 2021, a staggering 7.6 tons of fake Pokémon cards were seized before reaching Europe. Similarly, 2020 saw 86,000 counterfeit Pokémon figurines meet the same fate. These incidents highlight the ongoing battle against counterfeit goods and the lengths to which people may go to evade customs regulations.
The bra smuggling incident at Liantang Port serves as a stark reminder of the risks and consequences associated with attempting to bypass customs regulations. Whether motivated by financial gain or other reasons, individuals engaging in such activities face legal repercussions and potential fines. This incident also underscores the ongoing challenges faced by customs officials in detecting and intercepting illicit goods. As such, it is crucial for travelers to adhere to all relevant customs laws and regulations to avoid serious legal trouble. Smuggling 350 Nintendo Switch cartridges in your bra may make for a sensational headline, but the reality is that it is a risky and ultimately futile endeavor.
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