Chinese 'smugglers' build tunnel to Hong Kong
Forty metre tunnel had concrete walls, ventilation and even interior lighting
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Chinese authorities have discovered a tunnel they suspect was used for smuggling goods running from a garage near the city of Shenzhen and into Hong Kong.
The 40 metre tunnel featured concrete walls, ventilation, interior lighting and was concealed by a river running above it. The tunnel is thought to have been 20 metres short of completion and measured 0.8 metres wide and one metre high.
According to the South China Morning Post, it is estimated to have cost three million yuan (£300,000) and taken four months to build.
It was discovered by authorities in the Changling village on the outskirts of Shenzhen, when a resident complained about hearing drilling noises she thought were part of a renovation project. Once inside, police discovered drilling tools and even rails that could have been used to transport goods on.
Hong Kong officals said they had been notified of the tunnel. "We will step up patrol of the border area," a Hong Kong police woman told The Wall Street Journal on Thursday.
The authorities believe gangs intended to use it to move mobile phones, tablets and other electrical goods into Hong Kong to avoid border taxes and fees, as Hong Kong and the mainland have different tariffs.
The tunnel, described by authorities as "professional", was destroyed on Tuesday and a man has been arrested in connection with the event.
This is not the first time findings such as this have been made. In 2003, Chinese authorities found a tunnel beneath an apartment building at the border that reached 25 metres into Hong Kong's territory.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments