3.4 tons of hairy crabs seized at Man Kam To during joint operation

Customs and the Centre for Food Safety jointly seized about 3.4 tons of suspected smuggled hairy crabs worth about HK$2.3 million at the Man Kam To border point on Halloween. 

Customs officers intercepted an incoming truck at the control point on Tuesday. Upon inspection, the batch of suspected unmanifested hairy crabs was found mix-loaded with other properly declared goods on board the vehicle. 

The seized hairy crabs also did not come with health certificates issued by the relevant authorities of the exporting economies, and failed to comply with the requirements of the Shell Fish (Hairy Crab) Permit. 

“An investigation is ongoing. A 49-year-old male goods vehicle driver is assisting in the investigation,” customs said. 

Customs reminds the public that smuggling is a serious offense. Offenders convicted of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo could face a maximum HK$2 million fine and seven years’ imprisonment. 

The trade is also reminded not to import or put hairy crabs with an unknown origin on sale. 

Citizens are advised to make purchases at reputable shops with the Shell Fish (Hairy Crab) Permit or relevant written permission granted by the FEHD.