Hong Kong Customs detects suspected food smuggling case
Hong Kong Customs on February 11 detected a suspected food smuggling case and seized approximately 4 800 kilograms of suspected illegally imported food with a total estimated market value of about $400,000.
Hong Kong Customs, based on intelligence analysis, speculated that some persons would illegally import frozen meat into Hong Kong from the Chinese Mainland side of Chung Ying Street in Sha Tou Kok. Customs officers on that day took action and intercepted a male suspected of illegally importing frozen meat into Hong Kong and two suspicious vehicles, and searched a warehouse. The batch of suspected smuggled food, including 1 200kg of frozen meat and 3 600kg of other food items, was seized during the operation.
During the operation, Hong Kong Customs arrested a male suspected of illegally importing frozen meat into Hong Kong, two male truck drivers and a female warehouse manager, aged between 38 and 61. They have been released on bail pending further investigation.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years upon conviction.
Under the Import and Export (General) Regulations, it is an offence to import frozen or chilled meat into Hong Kong without an import licence issued by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD). An offender shall be liable on conviction to a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
According to the Imported Game, Meat, Poultry and Eggs Regulations (Cap. 132AK), it is an offence to bring any game, meat, poultry or eggs into Hong Kong without a health certificate issued by an issuing entity of the place of origin and/or without prior written permission granted by the FEHD. An offender shall be liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and to imprisonment for six months.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling 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 suspected food smuggling case Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs detects suspected food smuggling case Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs detects suspected food smuggling case Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
