Hong Kong Customs seizes illegally imported live birds of suspected scheduled endangered species
Hong Kong Customs seized two illegally imported live birds, suspected to be scheduled endangered species, with an estimated market value of about $1,400, at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point yesterday (February 10).
Through risk assessment, Customs officers yesterday intercepted an incoming private car at the abovementioned control point. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the two live birds, suspected to be scheduled endangered species, in a cage inside a carton box in the car. A male passenger in the car was subsequently arrested.
The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up action.
Under the Public Health (Animals and Birds) Regulations, it is an offence to import any bird unless it is accompanied by a valid health certificate. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $25,000.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.
Members of the public may report any suspected activities of illegal import of live birds 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 seizes illegally imported live birds of suspected scheduled endangered species Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
