Hong Kong Customs yesterday (February 23) detected an animal smuggling case and found six suspected smuggled puppies at Man Kam To Control Point with an estimated market value of about $110,000.
Customs officers intercepted an incoming lorry at Man Kam To Control Point for inspection yesterday evening and found six suspected smuggled puppies inside two pet carrier bags in the driving compartment. The 35-year-old male driver was then arrested.
An investigation is ongoing and the six puppies have been handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.
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 Rabies Regulation, any person found guilty of illegally importing animals, carcasses or animal products is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for one year.
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/Wednesday, February 24, 2021
