Hong Kong customs seize smuggled frozen meat in enforcement operation
Hong Kong customs seized smuggled frozen meat, seafood, vegetables and pre-cooked food from three vehicles in an operation on 3 November. Eight men and one woman aged 23 to 58 were arrested. They are on bail pending further investigation.
Hong Kong customs officers seized a batch of suspected smuggled frozen meat and food products, including seafood, vegetables and pre-cooked items, during an enforcement operation on 3 November. The operation followed intelligence analysis and an in-depth investigation into the suspected illegal import of frozen meat from the Sha Tau Kok Chung Ying Street area into Hong Kong for distribution to wet markets and residential premises.
Customs officers intercepted three vehicles that were delivering frozen meat and food to fresh food shops and residential addresses in the city. A total of nine people were arrested: a man suspected of illegally importing frozen meat and food into Hong Kong; four male lorry drivers who transported the goods; a male fresh food shop operator; and three consignees, two men and one woman. All suspects, aged between 23 and 58, are on bail pending further inquiries.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, anyone who imports or exports goods without a cargo manifest is liable on conviction to a maximum fine of HK$2 million and up to seven years in jail. Under the Import and Export (General) Regulations, importing chilled or frozen meat without an import permit from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) is an offence, also carrying a maximum penalty of a HK$2 million fine and seven years' imprisonment.
Under the Import of Game, Meat, Poultry and Eggs Regulation (Cap. 132AK), anyone bringing game, meat, poultry or eggs into Hong Kong without a health certificate from the issuing body in the place of origin and/or without prior written approval from the FEHD is liable on conviction to a maximum fine of HK$50,000 and six months in jail. Under the Food Business Regulation (Cap. 132X), it is an offence to possess meat from illegal sources for sale; the FEHD may prosecute, with a maximum penalty of a HK$50,000 fine and six months' imprisonment. Under the FEHD's demerit point system for licensed food business premises, a licence holder convicted of possessing meat from non-approved slaughterhouses or other unauthorised sources may have their licence cancelled.
Members of the public can report suspected smuggling activities via the customs 24-hour hotline 182 8080, the dedicated email account [email protected] or the online form at eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/.