The Shenzhen-bound haul, was to be smuggled through the Sha Tau Kok Control Point to avoid stringent import restrictions and mainland Chinese taxes amounting to between 10 and 20 per cent of the precious stones’ value, according to a law enforcement source.

The latest seizure was made on Thursday night at around 8pm when a truck heading for Shenzhen was selected for a routine inspection.

According to Customs, the manifest provided by the driver said the truck was delivering gold bars. However, Customs officers later discovered two metal cases on board, with 1,302 diamonds, 330 grams of diamond chips, along with jade and sapphire worth up to HK$500,000.

The 47-year-old driver was then arrested and detained for further investigation.