The Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) made this year's first major seizure of suspected smuggled hairy crabs during a joint operation on October 2. A total of 446 suspected smuggled hairy crabs with an estimated market value of about $9,000 were seized at the Lok Ma Chau Control Point.
The biggest single seizure this year was made when customs officers intercepted an incoming private car at the Lok Ma Chau Control Point on October 2 night. Five foam boxes with 446 suspected smuggled hairy crabs were found in the car.
The car's 42-year-old male driver was arrested and has been put on bail pending further investigation. An investigation is ongoing.
The C&ED reminds members of the public that 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.
The FEHD said that according to the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap 132), all food available for sale in Hong Kong, locally produced or imported, should be fit for human consumption. An offender is subject to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months upon conviction.
Both departments will keep up close co-operation and intelligence exchanges, while joint operations against illegal food imports will also continue.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182, or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Friday, October 4, 2019
