Web Exclusive

14 arrested for smuggling iPads into China

By Jia Xu (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-12-08 20:06

 

The?supervision TV shows the group of smugglers and Mac produtes they brought in at Shenzhen port.[Photo/Guangzhou Daily]

Fourteen people have been arrested for smuggling apple products worth an estimated 950,000 yuan (US$142,700) into Shgenzhen, South China's Guangdong province.

The group was arrested at Shenzhen port by customs on charges of illegally importing 88 digital iPads and other iPhone products on Dec 2, the Guangzhou Daily reported Wednesday.

Customs officers became suspicious after watching several fashionable woman arriving from Hong Kong, who they suspected to be illegal immigrants, pass through the luggage counter unchecked.

Officers discovered 340 cell phones and 88 iPads with an estimated value of 950,000 yuan($142,700)

They confessed they could earn 200 yuan for each item and officers believe they can earn as much as 5,000 yuan a month.

The investigation is still ongoing.