Mainland woman held over 66 live birds at Lok Ma Chau
SingTao · 5 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong Customs said a 34-year-old mainland Chinese woman was arrested at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point on November 3 after officers found 66 live birds in her personal luggage during an inbound inspection. The birds were being carried in cages and were suspected to have been imported illegally, with an estimated total value of about HK$3,000. The woman was stopped in the arrivals hall, and the case was later handed to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up action. Customs also said importing birds without a valid health certificate is an offence under Hong Kong law.
Key Points
- The arrest took place on November 3 at the arrivals hall of the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point, where customs officers intercepted the traveller.
- The suspect was identified only as a 34-year-old woman arriving in Hong Kong from mainland China, and she was arrested on the spot.
- Officers found 66 suspected illegally imported live birds inside bird cages packed in the woman’s personal luggage during inspection.
- Customs and local media reports put the estimated market value of the seized live birds at around HK$3,000.
- The case was transferred to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, while customs cited health-certificate requirements for bird imports.
Why It Matters
The case points to the public-health controls that apply to live bird imports at Hong Kong’s land boundary crossings, where documentation requirements are part of enforcement action. For travellers, it is also a reminder that bringing birds into Hong Kong without a valid health certificate can lead to prosecution and a maximum fine of HK$25,000.