Shatoujiao port customs have seized eight silver bricks weighing 123.7 kilos and worth more than 700,000 yuan ($110,000) from a van with Hong Kong license plates.

According to the customs office, which is affiliated with Shenzhen customs, at around 4 pm on Aug 9, a Hong Kong resident surnamed Xu drove a van to the exit of Shatoujiao port and declared it empty.

Customs officers inspected the vehicle, but the initial examination did not uncover any contraband. The officers were suspicious of the driver who appeared nervous. The officers moved the van into the X-ray inspection facility for containers which drew their attention to the tool box. Upon opening the tool box they discovered a secret inner compartment concealing eight silver bricks.

The case has been handed over to the anti-smuggling department of Shenzhen customs.

According to customs, only a limited amount of precious metals are allowed to exit the port. Passengers leaving China are allowed to take 50g or less of gold or silver. Precious metals above 50g will only be allowed to pass with a certificate by the People’s Bank of China or according to the amount declared while entering the border.