10 held for exceeding two-tin milk limit
A least 10 people have been arrested at the border checkpoints for breaching a new restriction on milk formula that came into force yesterday. They were carrying a total of 53 tins of infant formula between them - eight Hongkongers and two mainlanders. They were arrested at the Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau and Lok Ma Chau Spur Line checkpoints.
A least 10 people have been arrested at the border checkpoints for breaching a new restriction on milk formula that came into force yesterday.
In one case, a Hong Kong woman stashed 15 cans of milk powder in a suitcase. And in another, a Hong Kong man was arrested for taking two cans of formula on his second departure within 24 hours.
Yu Koon-hing, assistant commissioner of customs in Hong Kong, said 200 extra customs officers had been deployed and 14 more X-ray machines were operating at the borders to enforce the new law.
The extra staff include 96 retired customs officers who have returned on six-month contracts.
"Cans and packs of milk formula can easily be identified when luggage goes through the X-ray machines," said Yu. "These machines can help make inspections more precise and we hope our checks won't create any inconvenience for the public."
He noted that the retired officers had over 30 years' experience and would check anyone who seemed suspicious and may be trying to hide milk formula under their clothes.