Hong Kong Customs detects suspected case of illegal importing of animals
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (February 26) detected a suspected case of illegal importing of animals at the Lo Wu Control Point. Three suspected illegally imported cats with a total estimated market value of about $75,000 were seized.
Customs officers yesterday intercepted an incoming 53-year-old male passenger at the Arrival Hall of the control point. Upon examination, three cats were seized from his rucksack, and he was subsequently arrested.
The case has been handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.
Customs reminds the public that importing animals into Hong Kong without a valid permit is an offence.
Under the Rabies Regulation, any person found guilty of illegally importing animals, carcasses or animal products is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for one year.
Hong Kong Customs detects suspected case of illegal importing of animals Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs detects suspected case of illegal importing of animals Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport
Hong Kong Customs detected a drug trafficking case involving an incoming air passenger at Hong Kong International Airport today (February 27) and seized about 12 kilograms of suspected ketamine with an estimated market value of about $4.8 million.
A 65-year-old female passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Amsterdam, Netherlands, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected ketamine from her check-in suitcase. The woman was subsequently arrested.
An investigation is ongoing.
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 to 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.
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
