[News] $60 Million in Camera Gear Seized from Smugglers

Chinese customs authorities have detained 14 people suspected of smuggling approximately $63.5 million US worth of photo and video equipment. Officers at Gongbei Customs, Zhuhai City, south China’s Guangdong Province, said the smuggling ring has already transported more than 60,000 cameras, 13,623 lenses, 483 flashlight and 1,025 video cameras from Hong Kong to Guangdong from January 2011 to February 15, 2012.

Although there are some Nikon bodies in there, it seems that Canon 5D Mark II and the 600D are the choice models for smugglers. The Canon 5D Mark II can be picked up for $1,854 US in Hong Kong. When smuggled into mainland china, where they sell for $2,418 US, smugglers can turn a tidy profit on the grey market for these untaxed items. So don’t worry if you are still waiting for your Nikon D800 or Canon 5D Mark III, they’re coming.

via [PetaPixel NDDAily]