Smuggler caught with 192 ornamental fish at Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge

General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China announced that they had intercepted a smuggling attempt involving 192 live ornamental fish hidden in a vehicle crossing the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB), uncovering a scheme to illegally transport the colorful aquatic animals into mainland China for profit.

On the evening of September 20 (Sat), customs officers at the Zhuhai port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge detected an unusual image during a routine vehicle scan of a Hong Kong-registered minivan. 

A thorough inspection revealed three large white plastic bags concealed in the spare tire compartment of the vehicle’s trunk. 

Inside these bags, authorities found numerous small, water-filled transparent plastic bags, each tightly sealed with rubber bands and yellow tape, containing a total of 192 live ornamental fish. 

The vibrant collection included 16 different species, such as porkfish, golden damselfish, and blue tangs, identified by the technical center of Gongbei Customs. 

The driver admitted to transporting the fish with the intent to sell them for profit. 

Under Chinese regulations, bringing live animals or plants into the country without approval is prohibited, and violators face legal consequences. Customs authorities are now pursuing appropriate legal action in response to the smuggling attempt.