Customs Seizes Attempted Contraband Smuggling via Shoe Soles: 8 Used iPhones Intercepted
Zhuhai， China – July 12， 2025 – Authorities at Gongbei Port Customs have successfully thwarted an unusual attempt to smuggle used mobile phones into mainland China， intercepting a total of eight devices concealed within the soles of shoes. The culprits， two individuals， were apprehended by customs officers due to conspicuous abnormal gaits， which ultimately led to their discovery.
The incident unfolded on July 5th around 5:50 PM when a Macau resident， identified as Mr. Cheng， attempted to enter through the passenger inspection hall’s “green channel” at Gongbei Port. Customs officers immediately noted Mr. Cheng’s stiff and unnatural walking style. A subsequent inspection revealed unusual bulges on the soles of both his shoes. Upon closer examination， officers discovered four used mobile phones， meticulously wrapped in plastic film， hidden within the shoe soles.
In a remarkable turn of events， approximately ten minutes later， customs officers at the same inspection channel identified another individual， Ms. Xu， also exhibiting an abnormal gait. A similar search of her footwear uncovered an identical smuggling method， with four used mobile phones concealed within her shoe soles， employing the same technique.
This case highlights a persistent challenge for customs authorities: sophisticated smuggling techniques that exploit disguised concealment to bypass inspections. The abnormal gait is a common tell-tale sign that smugglers often overlook. By carefully observing passenger behavior and physical cues， customs officers can effectively identify individuals attempting to circumvent regulations.
The use of the “green channel” by Mr. Cheng is also noteworthy. This channel is typically designated for passengers carrying nothing to declare， suggesting a deliberate attempt to exploit its expedited process for illicit gain. The coordinated nature of the two arrests， occurring in close succession and involving similar concealment methods， could indicate a planned operation.
Gongbei Port Customs issued a strong reminder to all travelers， urging them to adhere strictly to customs regulations. The statement emphasized that any attempt to import or export prohibited or taxable items through concealment or disguise is a violation of the law and will result in corresponding legal liabilities. The public is advised against any attempts to engage in such activities， as the risk of detection and subsequent penalties is significant.
