Customs officials have joined forces with their mainland and Macao counterparts in a special enforcement operation that saw an arriving lorry at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port intercepted and about 19,000 items of suspected counterfeit goods, worth about HK$14 million, seized.

A 54-year-old lorry driver was arrested.

He was released on bail pending further investigations.

The goods seized during the operation on the mega bridge – the climax of an operation involving investigations into 14 cases between December 31 and January 12 across the three jurisdictions – were destined for countries in the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Seized items included handbags, footwear and electronic products.

Upon further investigations, customs officers also found local express couriers and logistics companies were involved in 13 of the 14 cases.

"Hong Kong customs will continue to work closely with the mainland customs, Macao customs and overseas law enforcement agencies to vigorously combat cross-boundary counterfeit goods transshipping activities through intelligence exchanges and joint enforcement actions," the Customs and Excise Department said.

It also reminded people that importing or exporting goods bearing forged trademarks is an offence under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance that carries a fine of up to HK$500,000 and five years' imprisonment.

It also urged people to report suspected counterfeiting via its 24-hour hotline, dedicated crime-reporting email or online form.