Hong Kong - Smuggled goods worth nearly 2 million US dollars were seized in a joint operation mounted by police and marine officers in Hong Kong, police said Saturday.

Mobiles phones and computer parts packed in 11 boxes were being loaded from speedboats when police moved in during a surveillance operation in Sai Kung area in the New Territories.

The smugglers abandoned the goods and sped off in the boats. However, one of the boat owners was later arrested.

Senior Inspector Roger Mak said the syndicate was thought to be well-organized and sophisticated.

The area is very close to mainland China by sea and is a popular smuggling route both for goods and illegal immigrants. (dpa)