AFCD lays charges against three Mainlanders suspected of using snake cages for fishing
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (April 8) laid charges against three Mainlanders suspected of engaging in fishing using snake cages on a Mainland vessel in waters off Tai A Chau.
During a joint operation with the Police yesterday (April 7), the AFCD intercepted a Mainland vessel suspected of engaging in fishing using snake cages at around 1.30pm for investigation. Some fishing gear was seized by the AFCD officers from the vessel.
After investigation, three Mainlanders were charged with contravening the Fisheries Protection Ordinance (Cap. 171). They will appear at the Eastern Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (April 9).
Only vessels registered under the Ordinance can be used for fishing in Hong Kong waters. Regardless of the type of fishing gear used, a non-local fishing vessel is not allowed to carry out fishing activities in Hong Kong waters. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 and six months' imprisonment upon conviction.
An AFCD spokesman stressed, "The Government is committed to combating illegal fishing activities in Hong Kong waters. The AFCD will continue to step up patrols and take stringent enforcement action."
AFCD lays charges against three Mainlanders suspected of using snake cages for fishing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
AFCD lays charges against three Mainlanders suspected of using snake cages for fishing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes
Two incoming passengers were sentenced to three months' imprisonment with a fine of $1,800 and two months' imprisonment with a fine of $1,800 respectively by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (April 8) for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).
Customs officers intercepted an incoming 61-year-old female passenger at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point on April 6 and seized 20 400 duty-not-paid cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $84,000 and a duty potential of about $67,000 from her personal baggage. The passenger was subsequently arrested. She was sentenced to three months' imprisonment and fined $1,800 by the Courts today.
In addition, Customs officers intercepted an incoming 34-year-old female passenger yesterday (April 7) at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point and seized 16 400 duty-not-paid cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $67,000 and a duty potential of about $54,000 from her personal baggage. The passenger was subsequently arrested. She was sentenced to two months' imprisonment and fined $1,800 by the Courts today.
Customs welcomes the sentences, noting that even a first-time offender may still be imprisoned. The custodial sentences have imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflect the seriousness of the offences. Members of the public should not defy the law.
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).
Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
