PUBLIC ORDER
vehicles compared with 23 202 in 1995. An average of 74 831 passengers arrived by land each day, including those by train, 27 409 arrived by sea and 31 903 by air.
To cope with the ever-growing number of passengers and increasing traffic, the capacity of customs facilities is being expanded at entry and exit points. The completion during the year of Stage III of the Lo Wu Rail Terminal has eased congestion caused by the large numbers of people travelling between Hong Kong and China. Handling capacity at Lo Wu is now 8 188 passengers an hour. Planned customs facilities at the new terminal at Kowloon Railway Station will more than double the department's capacity to handle through-train passengers. Planning for additional processing facilities at Lok Ma Chau was also completed during the year.
Smuggling
In 1996, the department detected 285 smuggling cases under the Import and Export Ordinance, arrested 273 persons and seized goods worth $373 million. Smuggling between Hong Kong and China remained rampant. In 1996, 59 smuggling cases were detected at the land border, and goods valued at $51,505,892 were seized.
Contraband commonly smuggled to China ranged from electronic products such as mobile phones, computer hardware and laser disc players to left-hand drive vehicles and vehicle spare parts. The most common method of smuggling was by container. The most popular items for inbound smuggling were antiques, cigarettes and diesel fuel.
Smuggling by high-powered speedboats remained at a low level. The department's strategies to control smuggling were reviewed during the year. Success remained largely dependent on good intelligence, modern technology and co-operation with other law enforcement agencies.
Strategic Commodities
In order to prevent Hong Kong from being used as a conduit for the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and to ensure its continued access to the high- technology products of advanced countries, the department works closely with the Trade Department and other agencies to control the trade in strategic goods. In 1996, the department investigated 343 cases and prosecuted 250 defendants, resulting in the imposition by court fines amounting to $3.6 million. Strategic goods valued at $18.9 million including inert bombs, rocket fuel, telecommunication equipment and chemical weapon precursors were seized, of which $7.5 million-worth was
confiscated.
Intellectual Property
The department is responsible for enforcing laws to protect copyright and trade marks. Protection is provided through the Copyright Ordinance and the Trade Descriptions Ordinance which extends to trade marks registered under the Trade Marks Ordinance.
To enforce these laws, the department investigates complaints about infringement and takes action against piracy and counterfeiting. Close liaison is maintained with copyright and trade mark owners, their legal representatives and intellectual property rights organisations. The department continued to strengthen contacts with overseas agencies in its fight against international trade in pirated and counterfeit goods. Joint
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