TWENTY-SEVEN crew from three Chinese vessels have been arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle 370 second-hand television sets, 61 video cassette recorders and 14 hi-fi sets into China.
They were arrested by customs officers who intercepted the vessels during an anti-smuggling operation off Tai Lam over the weekend.
The officers arrested nine crew members following the seizure of 125 television sets and 43 second-hand video recorders hidden behind the ship's oil tank.
Another nine crew were arrested on a second vessel, where a further 118 television sets, 18 VCRs and 14 hi-fis were found concealed beneath the kitchen and inside the oil tank.
Another nine crew were arrested when a third vessel was searched and 127 television sets were found concealed beneath the kitchen and oil tank.
Meanwhile, police yesterday offered a reward for information on a theft case in which $3 million worth of electrical appliances were stolen last August.