Customs arrests two over 200 live birds at Lo Wu
Bastillepost · 3 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong Customs said it uncovered two suspected cases of illegal importation of live birds at Lo Wu Control Point on Tuesday, arresting a 33-year-old mainland Chinese woman and a 51-year-old local man. Officers seized 200 suspected illegally imported live birds from the pair’s personal luggage, with the haul estimated to be worth about HK$20,000, and transferred the cases to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up.
Key Points
- Customs officers intercepted the two travellers in the arrival hall at Lo Wu Control Point when they entered Hong Kong on Tuesday.
- The suspects were identified as a 33-year-old mainland Chinese ქალი and a 51-year-old local man, who were arrested on suspicion of illegally importing live birds.
- Officers found batches of suspected illegally imported live birds in each person’s personal luggage, with the birds placed inside cages.
- A total of 200 live birds were seized in the two cases, and the birds were estimated to have a market value of about HK$20,000.
- Under the Public Health (Animals and Birds) Regulations, importing birds without a valid health certificate is an offence punishable by a maximum fine of HK$25,000.
Why It Matters
The handover to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department means the cases will move beyond the border interception stage to regulatory follow-up under animal and bird health rules. For Hong Kong travellers, the case is a reminder that bringing birds across the boundary without the required health certification can lead to arrest and prosecution.