Guideline targets violent smugglers in South China maritime region

Smuggling suspects who violently resist law enforcement in the maritime region of Guangdong province and the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions will be severely punished, a new document said.

The Supreme People's Court, the Supreme People's Procuratorate, the General Administration of Customs, the Ministry of Public Security and China Coast Guard jointly issued a guideline on Thursday combating cross-border smuggling in the region.

It said smuggling of frozen goods by sea in the area have been taking place frequently recently. The crimes have seriously undermined customs supervision and legal trade, created a risk of COVID-19 epidemic spread, and endangered public health and food safety.

Some smuggling suspects have violently resisted law enforcement by sailing modified ships at high speed to collide with authorities, seriously threatening their safety, it said.

The guideline said that those who smuggle in goods without proper inspection and quarantine admission certification will be charged with importing prohibited goods.

Smuggling suspects who endanger public security by carrying out dangerous acts such as bumping, crowding, throwing obstacles, sailing at a high speed or shining strong lights on law enforcement will be punished not only for smuggling, but also for the crime of endangering public security by dangerous means.

Such suspects who resist anti-smuggling law enforcement using violence or threats will face charges of smuggling as well as assaulting police or obstructing official duties, and those who use arms while committing the crimes will face an even heavier punishment in accordance with the Criminal Law.

The guideline also made provisions in instances where suspects' real identities can't be ascertained, and it also explained the procedures of how seized vessels and goods should be handled.

Additionally, it said the guideline can be used in instances of smuggling that occur in areas other than the sea region of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao.