Customs and CityU Collaborate on Smart Collar Project to Enhance Detector Dog Operations

Hong Kong Customs signs MOU on Smart Collar Research Project for canines with City University of Hong Kong

The Assistant Commissioner (Boundary and Ports) of Customs and Excise, Ms Chiang Yi-lee, today (September 11) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with City University of Hong Kong (CityU) at the Customs Headquarters Building to advance the operational effectiveness of Customs detector dogs through the Smart Collar Research Project.

At the signing ceremony, Ms Chiang acknowledged that the enduring partnership between Customs and CityU encompasses various collaborative initiatives in both academic programmes and specialised training for the Customs Canine Force (CCF). This MOU signing not only marks a significant milestone in the partnership but also launches the Smart Collar Research Project, which aims to study, analyse, as well as optimise the utilisation of data collected from detector dogs including heart rates, respiratory rates and temperatures for enhanced enforcement capabilities and the welfare standards of detector dogs.

CityU, as Hong Kong's pioneer and sole provider of the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine programme, has been offering invaluable support to Customs through comprehensive breeding training programmes, veterinary nursing expertise, and puppy development courses.

Looking ahead, Customs is dedicated to pursuing innovative collaborations with CityU to enhance the effectiveness of its canine operations. By leveraging academic expertise, Customs aims to implement advanced training techniques and technology, ultimately strengthening the impact of the CCF in safeguarding national security and Hong Kong's boundary.

The CCF has been making significant contributions to Hong Kong since its establishment in 1975. It currently maintains 70 detector dog teams, specialising in narcotics, explosives, currency, firearms, and tobacco detection, supported by more than 100 dedicated officers. To ensure a sustainable supply of high-calibre working dogs, Customs initiated its breeding programme in 2020. The programme has successfully produced 36 puppies to date.

Hong Kong Customs signs MOU on Smart Collar Research Project for canines with City University of Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs signs MOU on Smart Collar Research Project for canines with City University of Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs signs MOU on Smart Collar Research Project for canines with City University of Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes

An incoming female passenger was sentenced to six weeks' imprisonment and fined $1,000 by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (August 4) for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

Customs officers intercepted an incoming 64-year-old local female passenger at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point on May 29 and seized 1 781 duty-not-paid cigarettes from her rucksack, with an estimated market value of about $7,300 and a duty potential of about $5,800. The female passenger was subsequently arrested.

Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflect the seriousness of the offences.

Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette 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).

Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases