Suspected smuggled hairy crabs and crab meat seized in joint operation (with photo)

     The Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) yesterday (December 28) during a joint operation with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) seized 369 suspected smuggled hairy crabs and about 21 kilograms of crab meat with an estimated market value of about $48,000 at Lok Ma Chau Control Point.

     C&ED officers intercepted an incoming private car at Lok Ma Chau Control Point for inspection yesterday morning and seized a total of 369 suspected smuggled hairy crabs from 5 baskets and 21 kilograms of crab meat from one foam box in the vehicle. The 46-year-old male driver was arrested and has been put on bail pending further investigation. Investigation is ongoing.

     The C&ED reminds members of the public that 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.

     The FEHD said that according to the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap 132), all food available for sale in Hong Kong, locally produced or imported, should be fit for human consumption. An offender is subject to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months upon conviction.

     The C&ED and the FEHD will continue to maintain close co-operation and intelligence exchange with each other and conduct joint operations to combat the illegal import of food.

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