Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected smuggled bird nest (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (May 15) seized about 12 kilograms of suspected smuggled bird nest with an estimated market value of about $640,000 at Lok Ma Chau Control Point.

     Customs officers intercepted an outgoing private car at Lok Ma Chau Control Point yesterday afternoon and seized the batch of suspected smuggled bird nest underneath the passenger seats and in the boot of the private car.

     The 45-year-old male driver was arrested. Investigation is ongoing and the arrested man has been released on bail pending further investigation.

     Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182, or dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).