AFCD laid charges against three Mainlanders suspected of using long lines for fishing
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (January 3) laid charges against three male Mainlanders suspected of engaging in fishing using long lines in waters off Fan Lau Sai Wan.
A Mainland vessel suspected of engaging in illegal fishing using long lines in the said waters yesterday (January 2) was intercepted by AFCD officers at around 4.30pm the same day for investigation. Some fishing gears were then seized on board.
After investigation, charges were laid against the three men who were suspected to have violated the Fisheries Protection Ordinance (Cap. 171). They will appear at the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (January 4).
Only vessels registered under the Ordinance can be used for fishing in Hong Kong waters. Regardless of the type of fishing gear used, a non-local fishing vessel is not allowed to carry out fishing activities in Hong Kong waters. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 and six months' imprisonment upon conviction.
The AFCD spokesman stressed, "The Government is committed to combatting illegal fishing activities in Hong Kong waters. The AFCD will continue to step up patrols and take stringent enforcement action."
AFCD laid charges against three Mainlanders suspected of using long lines for fishing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs detects case involving possession of suspected "space oil drug" and suspected illicit cigarettes by incoming passenger at West Kowloon Station of XRL
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (January 4) detected one case involving possession of etomidate (the main ingredient of "space oil drug"), a kind of Part 1 poison under the Pharmacy and Poisons Regulations, and violation of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance by an incoming passenger at the West Kowloon Station of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL). A total of one bottle of suspected "space oil drug" liquid and 189 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes were seized.
A 27-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong via the West Kowloon Station of the XRL yesterday. During customs clearance, one bottle of suspected "space oil drug" and 189 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes were found in his travel bag. He was subsequently arrested.
The arrested man has been charged with one count of possession of Part 1 Poison, one count of "possession of goods to which the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance applies" and one count of failing to declare to a member of the Customs and Excise Service. The case will be brought up at the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (January 6).
Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, any person who possesses any poison included in Part 1 of the Poisons List other than in accordance with provisions commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for two years.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking or illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour report hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Hong Kong Customs detects case involving possession of suspected "space oil drug" and suspected illicit cigarettes by incoming passenger at West Kowloon Station of XRL Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs detects case involving possession of suspected "space oil drug" and suspected illicit cigarettes by incoming passenger at West Kowloon Station of XRL Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
