41
its indented nature, is ideal from a smuggler's point of
view, and thence conveyed to Amoy, generally by land.
Once landed, the sugar is, of course, indistinguishable
from the local product, and reaches its destination without
difficulty. The Customs cruisers are endeavouring to
suppress the trade, but the smugglers have a well
organised intelligence service, and generally know in
advance the intended movements of the revenue cruisers,
a knowledge which, of course, enables them to elude them.
A favourite device is to give false information with
regard to projected runnings of contraband cargo, thus
drawing off the cruisers from the real scene of operations.
4. I understand that the smuggling of other dutiable
goods from Formosa, though conducted regularly, is on a
comparatively small scale.
5. With regard to Hong Kong, it is a matter of common
knowledge that well organised smuggling agencies are
at work there. These arrange not only for the transport
to Amoy by devious ways of complete junk loads of dutiable
goods, but also, on a smaller scale, for smuggling by
Chinese members of ships' crews. These seamen are
quite ready to lend themselves to such operations, as
the profits, if they avoid detection, are high, and, if
the smuggled goods are detected by the Customs, a fine is
imposed on the ship and not on them.
6. In addition, smugglers make regular trips by
coasting steamers in the guise of ordinary travellers.
Fares by these steamers are low, so that the smugglers
are able to establish connections and to conduct lucrative
smuggling.....
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.