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A spokesman for Customs and Excise Department today (June 20) reminded people not to bring birds or poultry into Hong Kong illegally, or they might face prosecution.
About 9.40pm on Monday (June 18), Customs officers at Lo Wu Control Point seized a live bird ("Mynah"), worth about $70 from an incoming passenger, who had arrived from Shenzhen. The bird was concealed inside a paper-made tea leaf can.
A 75-year-old local man was arrested.
The case has been referred to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.
The department said that under the Public Health (Animals and Birds) Regulations of the Public Health (Animals and Birds) Ordinance, Chapter 139, it was an offence to import into Hong Kong any bird, unless it was accompanied by a valid health certificate. The maximum penalty is a fine of $25,000.
Ends/Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:15
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