Hong Kong Customs yesterday (July 23) detected a suspected case of illegal importing of live plant pests at the Lo Wu Control Point, seizing 500 grams of suspected illegally imported live beetles with an estimated market value of about $1,900.
      
     Customs officers yesterday intercepted a 68-year-old incoming local woman at the Arrival Hall of the control point. Upon examination, the batch of suspected illegally imported live beetles was seized from her trolley, and she was subsequently arrested. The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.
      
     Customs reminds members of the public that importing any plant pest or any plant infected by or infested with a plant pest into Hong Kong without prior authorisation issued by the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation is an offence.
      
     Under the Plant (Importation and Pest Control) Ordinance, any person found guilty of illegally importing a plant pest without authorisation is liable to a maximum fine of $10,000 and imprisonment for six months.

Ends/Friday, July 24, 2026
Issued at HKT 17:15

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