Hong Kong Customs detects suspected case of illegal importing of animals
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (August 23) detected a suspected case of illegal importing of animals at the Lo Wu Control Point. Two suspected illegally imported live cats with an estimated market value of about $2,000 were seized.
Customs officers yesterday intercepted a 44-year-old incoming Mainland male passenger at the arrival hall of the said control point. Upon examination, two suspected illegally imported live cats were seized from his personal belongings, and he 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, 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 yesterday (August 23) detected a suspected case of illegal importing of animals at the Lo Wu Control Point. Two suspected illegally imported live cats with an estimated market value of about $2,000 were seized. Photo shows the suspected illegally imported live cats seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing of duty-not-paid cigarettes
Two incoming male passengers were each sentenced to 11 months' imprisonment with a fine of $2,000 by the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts today (August 24) 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 the two incoming Mainland male passengers, aged 34 and 37, at Hong Kong International Airport on August 21, and seized a total of 200 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $900,000 and a duty potential of about $660,000 from their personal baggage. The two passengers were subsequently arrested.
Customs welcomes the sentences. The custodial sentences have imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflect 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).
Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing of duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing of duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
