Two arrested at Lo Wu over live pest imports
HK01 · 6 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong Customs said it uncovered two suspected illegal import cases involving live plant pests at the Lo Wu Control Point arrivals hall on September 5 and 6, arresting a 71-year-old local man and a 66-year-old local woman in separate interceptions. Officers seized 200 live crickets and 13 kilograms of live Dubia cockroaches from their personal luggage, with a combined estimated market value of about HK$5,900.
Key Points
- Customs officers stopped a 71-year-old local male arrival in the Lo Wu arrivals hall on the morning of September 5 and found suspected illegally imported live crickets in his luggage.
- The first seizure involved 200 live crickets with an estimated market value of about HK$2,000, and the man was arrested at the scene.
- On September 6, officers intercepted a 66-year-old local female arrival in the same arrivals hall and found suspected illegally imported live Dubia cockroaches in her baggage.
- The second seizure involved 13 kilograms of live Dubia cockroaches valued at about HK$3,900, bringing the two cases to about HK$5,900 in total.
- The cases were referred to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up under the Plant (Import Control and Pest Control) Ordinance.
Why It Matters
Customs and local media said the seized animals were treated as suspected illegally imported live plant pests, meaning the cases now move into regulatory follow-up by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. Customs also reminded the public that importing plant pests without prior authorization from the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation is an offence punishable on conviction by a maximum fine of HK$10,000 and six months' imprisonment.