Hong Kong Customs detects suspected case of illegal importing of animals
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (August 21) seized one batch of suspected illegally imported animals, including a rabbit, a hamster, a guinea pig, a sugar glider and two parrots of suspected scheduled endangered species, with an estimated market value of about $7,800 at Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point.
Customs officers yesterday intercepted an incoming 21-year-old Mainland female passenger at the Arrival Hall of the said control point. Upon examination, the batch of suspected illegally imported animals was seized from her paper bag carried by her and her trousers pocket. She was subsequently arrested. The case has been 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 (Cap. 421A), 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.
Under the Public Health (Animals and Birds) Regulations (Cap. 139A), 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.
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.
Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169), any person who wantonly or unreasonably does or fails to do any act, thereby causing any animal to suffer unnecessary pain, commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to a maximum fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for three years.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities or 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 detects suspected case of illegal importing of animals Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Man sentenced to six months' imprisonment for illegally importing alternative smoking products
A man was sentenced today (August 22) at the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts to six months' imprisonment for illegally importing 33 800 alternative smoking products. The Department of Health (DH) welcomed the verdict and reminded members of the public and visitors not to bring alternative smoking products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products or herbal cigarettes into Hong Kong, and not to use any alternative smoking products.
The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the DH was notified by Hong Kong Customs on August 20 that 33 800 alternative smoking products had been intercepted in the luggage of the aforesaid man arriving from Japan. TACO immediately arrested and prosecuted the individual.
Since the amendments to theTobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, which conferred arrest powers on TACO inspectors,took effect on September 19, 2025, TACO has prosecuted 29 cases involving the importation of large quantities of alternative smoking products. Thirty-one persons have been convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging from four weeks to eight months.
According to the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), a person who imports alternative smoking products, including electronic smoking products, heated tobacco products and herbal cigarettes, commits an offence and isliable on summary conviction to a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years; or liable on conviction on indictment to a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), no person may promote, manufacture, sell, or possess for commercial purposes alternative smoking products. An offender is liable to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.
TACO will continue to closely monitor and enforce the law to combat related offences.
In addition, the DH also cautions the public that alternative smoking products are addictive and are not effective smoking cessation tools. E-cigarettes may increase the risk of cancer, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Smokers are urged to quit smoking as early as possible for their own health and that of others. For assistance, please call the DH's Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline on 1833 183, or visitwww.livetobaccofree.hkfor information on quitting.
Source: AI-found images
