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. A reward of 10 per cent of the value of any stolen property recovered will be paid to any person giving information leading to the arrest and conviction of the persons involved. A container containing the electrical appliances was stolen from the Kwai Chung Container Terminal on August 26. Anyone with information should contact any police station or the police hotline, 527 7177.
