Hong Kong Customs seized 200 suspected illegally imported live birds worth about HK$20,000 in two cases at the Lo Wu control point on August 18, according to Customs reports.
Officers stopped and arrested a 33-year-old incoming female mainland passenger and a 51-year-old incoming male local passenger in the arrival hall. Cages containing birds were found in their personal luggage, with each passenger carrying a batch of birds, according to one report.
The cases were referred to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up. The arrests concern suspected offences; the reports do not state that charges have been filed or that either passenger has been convicted.
RTHK reported that importing any bird without a valid health certificate is an offence under the Public Health (Animals and Birds) Regulations. A person convicted of the offence may face a maximum fine of HK$25,000; the reports do not say that this penalty was imposed in these cases.
The reports do not identify the birds’ species, origin or intended destination, or say how many were found in each passenger’s luggage. They also give no details about the birds’ condition or subsequent handling.