Hong Kong Customs detects suspected cases of illegal importing of animals
Hong Kong Customs today (May 11) detected two suspected cases of illegal importing of animals at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point. Six suspected illegally imported live cats with a total estimated market value of about $60,000 were seized.
Customs officers today intercepted a 59-year-old incoming male passenger and a 41-year-old incoming female passenger at the Arrival Hall of the Control Point. Upon examination, three live cats were seized from each of their rucksacks, and they were subsequently arrested. The cases were 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 cases of illegal importing of animals Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs detects suspected cases of illegal importing of animals Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs detects two dangerous drug cases at airport
Hong Kong Customs on May 7 and yesterday (May 10) detected two dangerous drug cases and seized a total of about 3.7 kilograms of suspected ketamine and about 9kg of suspected cannabis buds with a total estimated market value of about $3.1 million at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).
In the first case, Customs on May 7 inspected an air parcel, declared as carrying daily necessities and arriving from Italy to Hong Kong, at HKIA. Upon inspection, Customs officers found about 3.7kg of suspected ketamine, with an estimated market of about $1.4 million, in six coffee bean packages in the parcel. After follow-up investigations, Customs officers conducted a controlled delivery operation today (May 11), and arrested two men in Cheung Sha Wan, aged 21 and 26, suspected to be connected with the case.
In the second case, a 37-year-old male passenger, arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 9kg of suspected cannabis buds, with an estimated market of about $1.7 million, in his check-in suitcase. He was subsequently arrested.
Investigations of both cases are 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, nor to release their personal data or home address to others for receiving parcels or goods.
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 two dangerous drug cases at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs detects two dangerous drug cases at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
