Six arrested for smuggling HK$4m of live lobsters and chilled seafood to mainland

Six men were arrested on Thursday night as customs caught them smuggling HK$4 million worth of live lobsters and chilled seafood waters off the east of Tau Lo Chau in Lantau. 

Customs that night spotted a suspicious fishing vessel on which several men were suspected of participating in smuggling activities. 

Officers immediately intercepted the fishing vessel and seized about 1,100 kg of live lobsters and 400 kg of chilled seafood on board. 

During the operation, officers arrested six men aged 26 to 65 for conspiracy to export unmanifested cargo. 

It was understood that the seafood originated from Japan and would be delivered to the mainland, which has prohibited all seafood imports from Japan following the discharge of treated radioactive wastewater. 

Customs said they conducted radiation tests on the cargos and the readings were at normal levels. 

Customs said investigation is ongoing and warned that smuggling is a serious offense. 

Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo could face a maximum fine of HK$2 million and seven years’ imprisonment. 

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