Hong Kong Customs and the Police, starting August 1, have conducted joint enforcement operations at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point to step up enforcement actions concerning outbound travellers.
As at yesterday (September 5), Customs detected eight related cases, and seized in total about 18 kilograms of suspected scheduled dried sea cucumbers and about 2 000 used mobile phones with a total estimated market value of about $700,000. Eight persons suspected of connected with the cases were arrested. The seized items have been handed over to relevant departments for follow-up.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person who imports, exports or possesses endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction, while the relevant items will be confiscated.
Under the Telecommunications Ordinance, any person who imports or exports any radiocommunications transmitting apparatus without a licence or permit commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $25,000 and imprisonment for one year.
Customs will continue the enforcement actions.
Members of the public may report any suspected illegal exporting of prohibited/controlled articles activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).
Ends/Wednesday, September 6, 2023
