Two arrested for alleged illegal import of pests
Customs said on Monday they have seized 200 live crickets and 13 kilograms of dubia roaches in two suspected cases of illegally importing live plant pests at the Lo Wu control point. Officers intercepted a 71-year-old man at the arrival hall on Saturday and found the batch of live crickets, with an estimated market value of about HK$2,000, in his baggage. A day later, a 66-year-old woman was…
Customs officials in Hong Kong have arrested two individuals for allegedly importing live plant pests into the country. According to the authorities, they seized 200 live crickets and 13 kilograms of dubia roaches during two separate incidents at the Lo Wu control point.
In the first case, a 71-year-old man was intercepted at the arrival hall on Saturday. Customs officers found the batch of live crickets, estimated to be worth around HK$2,000, in his baggage. The following day, a 66-year-old woman was stopped and detained for possessing a batch of live dubia roaches, valued at approximately HK$3,900.
Both individuals have been arrested, and their cases have been forwarded to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for further investigation. Customs officials emphasized that importing any plant pest or plant infected or infested with such pests without prior authorization from the director of agriculture, fisheries, and conservation is a criminal offense. Those found guilty could face a fine of up to HK$10,000 and imprisonment for up to six months.
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