Hong Kong Customs yesterday (May 5) seized 216 suspected illegally imported Chinese soft-shelled turtles and 75 red-eared sliders with an estimated market value of about $30,000 at Lok Ma Chau Control Point.
Customs officers intercepted an incoming private car at Lok Ma Chau Control Point yesterday evening and seized the batch of smuggled Chinese soft-shelled turtles and red-eared sliders from the vehicle compartment. The 54-year-old male driver was arrested.
The batch of suspected illegally imported Chinese soft-shelled turtles and red-eared sliders were handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up. Investigation is ongoing.
Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Under the Public Health (Animals and Birds) (Chemical Residues) Regulation, any person found guilty of importing food animals without a valid certificate is liable to a maximum fine of $100,000.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to the Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Monday, May 6, 2019
