Chinese customs apprehend man smuggling 420 M.2 SSDs from Macau to China
In the latest hardware smuggling bust, Chinese customs have apprehended an individual trying to transport 420 M.2 SSDs into the country. The person was attempting to bring the illicit goods from Macau to Zhuhai through the Gongbei Port, a popular trafficking route that has been used before to bring high-value hardware into mainland China.
This incident follows previous cases of hardware smuggling, including a woman who was caught trying to hide Alder Lake chips in a fake silicone belly. Typically, smugglers attempt to transport high-value goods like processors or graphics cards, but M.2 SSDs have been previously smuggled into China.
According to a report from local news source ZJ.com, the most recent smuggler was caught trying to bring the M.2 drives into China through the Gongbei Port. Based on the report, it appears that the individual was trying to transport the SSDs by concealing them in a package.
However, the smuggler was caught after choosing to tape the drives to his body instead, resulting in the seizure of 420 SSDs. The report states that the combined value of the seized drives is approximately $32,984.94, with each drive priced at $78.53.
Smuggling hardware from Macau or Hong Kong allows individuals to avoid paying customs duties imposed by the Chinese government. Those who hire smugglers can therefore enjoy higher profit margins when reselling the goods, which are often available for less outside of mainland China due to the country’s high demand.
This story follows a recent report about a man who attempted to smuggle 144 Alder Lake chips into China by hiding them in a fake belly. Based on the most recent report, it seems that the contraband has shifted to SSDs, which demonstrates the ongoing efforts by criminals to transport goods into mainland China.
While authorities are making efforts to combat smuggling, criminals continue to devise innovative methods to transport goods into mainland China. Staying informed about these incidents is crucial for those who want to stay on the cutting edge of the tech landscape.
