The smuggled cars and parts total more than 25.5 million yuan (US$3.1 million).

Meanwhile, 30 illegal vehicle assembly bases were also raided in the province bordering the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions.

The efforts have dealt a heavy blow to car smugglers in the region, according to a customs officer yesterday.

More than 95 per cent of smuggled cars and parts were seized in Guangdong waters when they were brought into the province illegally from neighboring Hong Kong, Macao and Southeast Asian countries, the officer said.

Guangdong, which has the longest coastal line in China, has become one of the most active regions for vehicle smuggling in recent years.

During the special campaign to crack down on car smuggling, a total of 14,552 customs personnel and 939 customs vessels and 454 vehicles were sent to patrol Guangdong waters and coastal areas.

The campaign took place between June 25 and August 10 following more reports on car smuggling received by Guangdong Customs this year.

Despite the achievement, Guangdong Customs has promised to continue its efforts to increase patrols in its waters to fight automobile smuggling in the following months, the customs officer said.

More new and advanced equipment, weapons and technologies will be introduced later this year to help fight smuggling.

The officer also warned local residents to refuse purchasing cars that have no import certificates and licenses. These cars were most likely assembled in local secret factories.

(China Daily August 28, 2002)