Two arrested at Lo Wu over 200 live birds
Bastillepost · 6 SOURCES18 minutes ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong Customs said it uncovered two suspected cases of illegal live-bird importation at Lo Wu Control Point on 18 August, leading to the arrest of a 33-year-old mainland Chinese woman and a 51-year-old local man. Officers intercepted the pair in the arrival hall and found batches of suspected illegally imported live birds in bird cages inside their personal luggage. A total of 200 birds were seized in the two cases, with an estimated market value of about HK$20,000. The cases have been referred to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up under Hong Kong’s animal and bird health rules.
Key Points
- Customs said the two suspects entered Hong Kong separately through Lo Wu Control Point before being stopped in the arrival hall on 18 August.
- The arrested travellers were identified as a 33-year-old mainland Chinese woman and a 51-year-old local man.
- Officers found suspected illegally imported live birds in each traveller’s personal luggage, with the birds placed inside cages.
- Customs seized 200 suspected illegally imported live birds in total, and estimated the haul’s value at around 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 HK$25,000 fine.
Why It Matters
The handover to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department means the case now moves from border interception to regulatory enforcement over animal health documentation. For cross-boundary travellers, the arrests underline that carrying birds into Hong Kong without the required health certificate can trigger criminal investigation and prosecution.