With Lunar New Year around the corner, the Customs and Excise Department today (February 10) reminded travellers not to bring prohibited items into Hong Kong when returning from visits.
While maintaining a smooth passenger clearance during the Lunar New Year period, Customs officers at all control points will stay vigilant at all times to foil attempts by passengers who may take advantage of the busy passenger flows to bring prohibited items such as drugs, counterfeit goods, infringing articles, controlled plants such as orchids and other controlled items such as dutiable goods, animals, meat, poultry and fireworks.
Customs will not only deploy advanced technology and Customs detector dogs to assist in detecting contraband, but also continue to maintain close liaison with local and overseas enforcement agencies, and to strengthen intelligence exchange. Joint enforcement operations will be conducted, where necessary, in order to combat cross-boundary smuggling and drug trafficking activities during the holidays.
Passengers may be liable to prosecution and the goods will be seized and confiscated if the passengers contravene the provisions of the relevant ordinances. Passengers should enter the "Goods to Declare Channel" (Red Channel) to make declaration to the Customs Officers if they have any prohibited/controlled items upon their arrival.
Ends/Wednesday, February 10, 2010