Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected illegally imported live birds
Hong Kong Customs today (July 10) seized 100 suspected illegally imported live birds, with an estimated market value of about $20,000, at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point.
Customs officers today intercepted a 47-year-old incoming mainland female passenger at the arrival hall of the said control point. Upon examination, the batch of suspected illegally imported live birds contained in bird cages was seized from her personal baggage, and she was subsequently arrested. The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for a 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).
Hong Kong Customs today (July 10) seized 100 suspected illegally imported live birds, with an estimated market value of about $20,000, at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point. Photo shows the suspected illegally imported live birds seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs seizes live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species
Hong Kong Customs seized four live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species, with an estimated market value of about $40,000, at Hong Kong International Airport on July 10.
Through risk assessment, Customs officers intercepted a postal packet declared to contain plastic figurine toys and plastic home decorations imported from the United States to Hong Kong on July 10. Upon inspection, the batch of live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species was found wrapped by plastic tapes in a carton box of the postal packet.
The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up action.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586), any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling 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 seizes live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs seizes live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs seizes live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
