Woman sentenced to 10 months' imprisonment for smuggling dried shark fins
A 29-year-old Chinese woman, who smuggled dried shark fins into Hong Kong, was convicted at the District Court today (October 16) for violating the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) (the Ordinance) and sentenced to 10 months' imprisonment.
A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said that the passenger arrived at Hong Kong International Airport from Brazil via Ethiopia on March 22 this year. Upon inspection of her luggage by Customs officers, a batch of suspected scheduleddried shark fins was found inside the luggage. AFCD officers subsequently attended the scene, examined the specimens and confirmed that they were scheduleddried shark fins, weighing a total of about 52 kilograms, with an estimated market value of about $200,000. The woman was prosecuted by the AFCD for illegal import of specimens of endangered species. She was convicted at the District Court today, and the court adopted a starting point of 15 months' imprisonment for sentencing. With a one-third reduction given for her guilty plea, the defendant was sentenced to 10 months' imprisonment.
Some shark and ray species are listed in the Appendices to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and are regulated under the Ordinance in Hong Kong. Any person who imports, exports or possesses specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years with the specimens forfeited.
The spokesman said, "The Government is committed to protecting endangered species. The AFCD and Hong Kong Customs will remain vigilant and continue to monitor and combat illegal activities involving endangered species."
Members of the public may call 1823 to report any suspected irregularities to the AFCD and visit the AFCD website at www.cites.hk for information on the control of endangered species in Hong Kong.
A 29-year-old Chinese woman, who smuggled dried shark fins into Hong Kong, was convicted at the District Court today (October 16) for violating the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) and sentenced to 10 months' imprisonment. Photo shows the dried shark fins found in the woman's luggage. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CHP records case of severe paediatric influenza infection
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 19) recorded a severe paediatric influenza infection case. The CHP urged the public to receive vaccinations as early as possible to safeguard their own health and that of their families. In addition, the public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent influenza and other respiratory illnesses.
The case involves a six-year-old girl with good past health. She developed a fever, runny nose, vomiting and poor appetite on October 15. She was then brought to the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital for medical attention and was admitted for treatment. Her condition deteriorated and was transferred to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of the hospital for further treatment on October 17. Her respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A (H1) virus. Her clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with shock. The patient remains hospitalised at the PICU in critical condition.
The CHP's preliminary investigation revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period, and has not received the 2026/27 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination (SIV). Her household contacts are currently asymptomatic. The CHP will continue to investigate the case.
"Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June this year and the influenza season has lasted for more than three months by now. Currently, the local influenza activity remains at a high level. The predominant influenza virus detected at present is influenza A (H1). The CHP's epidemiological investigation indicated that the characteristics of severe or death cases related to seasonal influenza during this influenza season are similar to those in previous years, affecting primarily the elderly and children. Since the start of the influenza season in late June, a cumulative total of 24 cases of severe paediatric influenza infection have been recorded. Among these cases, 20 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospital, three patients are in critical condition and one has passed away. Due to widespread influenza transmission in the community in recent months, there has been a significant increase in both the number of infections and severe cases. Since the new school year started in September, nearly 440 influenza-like illness outbreaks have been recorded in schools, affecting a total of approximately 2 700 persons. Schools and parents must remain vigilant and take preventive measures. The CHP anticipates that the influenza activity will continue to fluctuate at high levels in the coming weeks," said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.
The 2026/27 SIV Programmes, including the SIV School Outreach Programme (SIVSOP), commenced on September 17. The SIVSOP this year has introduced a new Electronic Consent Form (e-consent form) feature via eHealth. This new measure not only facilitates the public to join the SIV Programmes but also streamlines the administrative procedures for healthcare service providers and schools, so that SIV outreach activities can start as early as possible. About 840 schools have organised SIV outreach activities. SIV outreach activities are expected to be completed by mid-December, about two weeks earlier than last year.
Dr Tsui appeals to all schools and parents in Hong Kong to work closely with the CHP and complete the consent process as soon as possible so that students can be arranged to receive SIV earlier.
Dr Tsui reminds parents that the health condition of children with influenza can deteriorate rapidly. Parents must pay close attention to their condition, and visit an accident and emergency department immediately if the child's condition deteriorates with symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, a persistent fever or convulsions. Members of the public should seek medical attention as soon as possible if they develop respiratory symptoms. If they live with members of high-risk groups, such as children, the elderly and those with underlying illnesses or compromised immune systems, they should wear a surgical mask at home to reduce the risk of infecting them. Other effective ways to reduce the spread of the disease include maintaining household hygiene, frequently cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, practising good hand hygiene, and ensuring proper indoor air circulation.
Members of the public may refer to the CHP'sCOVID-19 & Flu Express,Seasonal Influenza WebpageandVaccination Schemesfor the latest information.
Source: AI-found images
