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A spokesman for the Customs and Excise Department today (February 4) reminds travellers/cross-boundary private car drivers not to bring orchids into Hong Kong without a licence, or they could face prosecution.
On February 3, Customs officers detected five cases of importing orchids by travellers and drivers on board cross-boundary private cars at Lok Ma Chau Control Point. Three drivers and two travellers, aged 34 to 58, were arrested while 7 pots of orchids were seized and handed over to Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.
The importation of orchids without a licence is prohibited under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance. Importation requires import licences or permits to be issued in advance by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. Any person who contravenes the provision shall be liable on conviction to a fine of HK$50,000 and imprisonment for 6 months.
Ends/Monday, February 4, 2008
Issued at HKT 21:20
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