In a significant enforcement action, Hong Kong Customs seized HK$2.3 million worth of illegal wildlife products on October 13, 2024. The operation resulted in the confiscation of 460 kilograms of dried shark fins, 200 kilograms of dried sea cucumber, and 3,300 boxes of Chinese proprietary medicine. The shipment, which was falsely declared as household goods, had arrived from Indonesia [b218ef0f].
The Chinese medicine included gastrodia elata, a highly sought-after herb, raising concerns about potential violations of the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance. Offenders under this ordinance can face up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to HK$10 million [b218ef0f]. This seizure follows a recent confiscation of a tonne of agarwood valued at HK$18 million, marking the largest such seizure in over two decades [b218ef0f].
In a separate incident, Hong Kong Customs also intercepted a car attempting to smuggle 596 CPUs valued at approximately HK$1.5 million. The CPUs were cleverly concealed in secret compartments within the vehicle. The 51-year-old smuggler was arrested at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point while attempting to cross into mainland China. The CPUs appeared to be older server-grade Intel Xeon processors, and the smuggler could face penalties of up to HK$2 million and imprisonment for seven years [f5e4f136].
Additionally, a man was caught trying to smuggle over 100 live snakes into mainland China by stuffing them into his pants. Customs officers in Shenzhen intercepted him at Futian Port, discovering six canvas drawstring bags sealed with tape in his pockets, each containing live snakes. A total of 104 snakes were found, including five different species. This incident underscores the ongoing problem of wildlife trafficking, which poses a significant threat to conservation efforts and public health [6a5b101a][a53d6128].
In a related crackdown on drug trafficking, Hong Kong police arrested five individuals on October 25, 2024, and seized over HK$1.1 million (US$141,570) worth of illegal drugs, including a substance known as 'space oil'. The operation targeted a trafficking syndicate and involved raids on a Cheung Sha Wan flat and a delivery vehicle. Confiscated items included 2.8kg of cannabis buds, 300 grams of ketamine, 150 grams of cocaine, and 40 grams of crystal meth. Police also discovered counterfeit banknotes and drug packaging equipment [be9ed00b].
The suspects, aged 21 to 32, face charges related to drug trafficking and possession of illegal substances. The Hong Kong government plans to ban 'space oil', which contains etomidate, by adding it to the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance in the first half of 2025 [be9ed00b].
These incidents collectively highlight the persistent issues of smuggling and drug trafficking in Hong Kong, driven by the differences in taxes and duties between mainland China and Hong Kong. Customs authorities are emphasizing the need for robust enforcement to combat illegal activities and protect both wildlife and public safety [f5e4f136][b218ef0f].