Photo: Xinhua

A Hong Kong resident surnamed Chung who was on the run for seven years was captured on Friday at a Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge security checkpoint, police in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province, announced on Monday.

The 53-year-old Hong Kong resident was arrested during a routine inspection of a shuttle bus bound for Macao. The police and border inspector later confirmed that the man had been wanted by Shenzhen airport customs since August 2012 on suspicion of smuggling mobile phones between Guangdong Province and Hong Kong. 

Chung was an important member of the smuggling ring, customs authorities said. Zhuhai border inspection authorities have handed Chung over to the relevant department.

Chung, who was on a bus from Hong Kong to Macao via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge on Friday afternoon, told his family via Whatsapp that he had been detained by mainland police for unspecified reasons, Hong Kong media reported earlier. 

Since December 10, police have detained a number of suspects wanted by mainland police during routine inspections at the bridge checkpoints. Police stressed that everyone is equal before the law and anyone who breaks the law will be held accountable.

Zhuhai police announced on December 9 that in order to ensure activities marking the 20th anniversary of Macao's return to China would be held smoothly and safely, authorities were to set up checkpoints at the East Artificial Island of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge to review documents of all passengers and vehicles. 

It also stated everyone must abide by the laws and regulations and cooperate with law enforcement.