Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected illegally imported live birds
Hong Kong Customs today (March 9) detected a suspected case of illegal importing of live birds at the Lo Wu Control Point. 111 live birds with an estimated market value of about $22,000 were seized.
Customs officers today intercepted an incoming 33-year-old male passenger at the Arrival Hall of the said Control Point. Upon examination, 111 live birds contained in bird cages were seized from the trolley he carried, and he was subsequently arrested.
The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.
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.
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/en/).
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected illegally imported live birds Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cocaine worth about $3.4 million at airport
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (March 8) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 4 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $3.4 million.
A 67-year-old non-local male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, yesterday. During customs clearance, the batch of suspected cocaine was found inside his baggage. The male 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/en).
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cocaine worth about $3.4 million at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
