Hairy crabs worth $7.2m seized at border

Customs officers seized a record 48,000 illegally imported hairy crabs worth HK$7.2 million at the Lok Ma Chau border checkpoint.

The 48,000 suspected smuggled hairy crabs weighing around 10.8 metric tons were found in a truck, which claimed to be carrying electronic goods.

"The seizure of these crabs in this case is the largest quantity and weight of smuggled hairy crabs on record," said Ng Wai-on, Senior Customs Inspector of Cargo and Vehicle Processing.

A 57-year-old truck driver is still under detention as of last night.

Ng said Customs has recently cracked down on 14 cases of smuggling hairy crabs using private vehicles. Based on risk assessment, officers believed smugglers may switch to using trucks for smuggling. Therefore, this operation targeted cargo trucks. Customs officers intercepted a cargo truck reportedly carrying around 300 electronic products at the border and found the hairy crabs.

Ng also said the seized hairy crabs in the cargo compartment did not have the required health certificates from China for export and did not comply with relevant regulations on selling crustaceans and aquatic products.

The crabs weigh approximately six to eight taels each, and their retail prices are believed to vary. The source and cost of the crabs are currently under investigation.

Customs also believed the smuggled hairy crabs had not entered the market. The seized crabs will be sent for testing to determine if they contain any harmful substances to humans.

Customs have been cooperating for a three-month joint operation with the Centre for Food Safety conducting land, sea, and air checkpoints since September.

As of Sunday, 41 similar cases have been referred to the Centre for Food Safety for follow-up with 18 cases not having health certificates for the batches of hairy crabs involved, totaling 55,800 crabs with a weight of 12.2 metric tons.

Under the Import and Export Ordinance, anyone convicted of importing-exporting unmanifested goods may face a maximum fine of HK$2 million and imprisonment of up to seven years.

Industry professionals must be aware that under the Food Safety Ordinance, operating a food distribution business without proper registration is considered illegal and may result in a maximum fine of HK$50,000 and imprisonment for up to six months.