Hong Kong Customs arrested three male inbound passengers in separate animal smuggling cases at Lok Ma Chau Spur Line and Shenzhen Bay control points on Monday, seizing hamsters, a cat and birds.
At Lok Ma Chau Spur Line, officers intercepted two arriving male passengers, aged 33 and 66. A search of the 33-year-old's luggage found 150 live birds in cages with an estimated market value of about HK$30,000. The 66-year-old was found with a live cat worth about HK$20,000 in his backpack.
At Shenzhen Bay, officers stopped a 50-year-old male passenger and found two live hamsters worth about HK$40 in his backpack.
All three men were arrested and the cases have been handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up.
Under the Rabies Regulation, anyone illegally importing animals faces a maximum fine of HK$50,000 and one year imprisonment. Under the Public Health (Animals and Birds) Regulation, importing birds without a valid health certificate carries a maximum fine of HK$25,000.
