Hong Kong Customs detects suspected case of illegal importing of animal
Hong Kong Customs today (July 3) detected a suspected case of illegal importing of animal at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point. One suspected illegally imported live dog with an estimated market value of about $19,000 was seized.
Customs officers today intercepted a 59-year-old incoming mainland male passenger at the Arrival Hall of the Control Point. Upon examination, the live dog was seized from his shoulder bag, and he was subsequently arrested. The case was 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 animal Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes
An incoming Chinese male passenger was sentenced to five months' imprisonment with a fine of $1,000 by the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts today (July 3) for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).
Customs officers intercepted a 35-year-old incoming Chinese male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (July 2). About 28 400 duty-not-paid cigarettes were seized from his personal baggage. The estimated market value was about $142,000, and the duty potential was about $93,800. He was subsequently arrested and was sentenced to five months' imprisonment and fined $1,000 today.
Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.
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).
Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
