AFCD laid charges against Mainland fisherman deckhands suspected of using snake cages for fishing and local coxswain
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (October 22) laid charges against six Mainland fisherman deckhands suspected of engaging in fishing using snake cages (a type of cage trap banned in Hong Kong waters) on a local fishing vessel in waters off Hei Ling Chau and a local coxswain on board.
A joint operation was conducted by the AFCD together with the Hong Kong Police Force yesterday (October 21). A local fishing vessel was suspected of engaging in fishing using snake cages and was intercepted at around 11am on the same day for investigation. Some fishing gear (including snake cages and winches) on board was seized by the AFCD.
After the investigation, charges were laid against the seven men who were suspected to have violated the Fisheries Protection Ordinance (Cap. 171). They will appear at the Eastern Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (October 23).
Only a vessel registered under the Ordinance can be used for fishing in Hong Kong waters and only the fishing methods listed on its Certificate of Registration of Local Fishing Vessel can be employed for fishing by the vessel. The conditions of the Certificate of Registration of Local Fishing Vessel regarding cage traps stipulate that any collapsible cage traps should not be connected in any way to another; or should not exceed five metres in any of its extended dimensions. Hence, fishing using snake cages is in breach of the registration conditions. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 and six months' imprisonment upon conviction.
A spokesman for the AFCD stressed, "The Government is committed to combatting illegal fishing activities in Hong Kong waters. The AFCD will continue to step up patrols and take stringent enforcement action."
AFCD laid charges against Mainland fisherman deckhands suspected of using snake cages for fishing and local coxswain Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
AFCD laid charges against Mainland fisherman deckhands suspected of using snake cages for fishing and local coxswain Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
AFCD laid charges against Mainland fisherman deckhands suspected of using snake cages for fishing and local coxswain Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (May 9) detected a drug trafficking case involving passenger at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 2.25 kilograms of suspected heroin, four tablets of suspected Viagra and 26 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarette, with a total estimated market value of about $1.4 million. A man was arrested.
A 61-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found a total of about 2.25 kg of suspected heroin in his check-in suitcase, and four tablets of suspected Viagra and 26 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarette in his carry-on backpack. The man was subsequently arrested.
The arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, one count of possession of Part 1 poison, one count of possession of dutiable goods and one count of failing to declare to a member of the Customs and Excise Service the possession of dutiable goods. The case will bebrought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (May 11).
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, any person who possesses any poison included in Part 1 of the Poisons List other than in accordance with provisions commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for two years.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, any person who imports, possesses, sells or buys dutiable commodities without a valid licence commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
