Woman arrested over illegally importing 112 birds worth HK$15,000
Suspect, aged 26, allegedly found with trolley of cages holding multiple birds each as she tried to pass through Lo Wu border crossing
A woman has been arrested on suspicion of illegally importing 112 birds estimated to be worth about HK$15,000 (US$1,920) into Hong Kong.
The government said on Saturday that the suspect, aged 26, was allegedly found with a trolley of cages holding multiple birds each as she tried to pass through the Lo Wu border crossing.
The birds were seized by customs as the woman was arrested. Authorities estimated the avians were worth HK$15,000.
The case is currently under investigation by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.
It is an offence to import birds into Hong Kong unless they are accompanied by valid health certificates. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of HK$25,000.
Last October, authorities seized 10 parrots, believed to be endangered, and 43 other birds at the same control point. The birds were estimated to be worth about HK$11,000.