Gongbei Customs announced in a statement on Saturday that its officers seized 192 ornamental fish from a Hong Kong – Guangdong dual–plates vehicle.
According to the statement, at 5 p.m. on September 20, Gongbei customs officers at the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge (HKZMB) Zhuhai checkpoint discovered during a routine check an anomaly in a dual plate vehicle from Hong Kong.
A follow-up inspection revealed that three large white plastic bags were discovered inside the spare wheel compartment of the boot. Each bag was filled with numerous small, inflated, water-filled transparent plastic bags. The openings of these small bags were tightly sealed with rubber bands and yellow tape, and each contained an ornamental fish.
A total of 192 aquarium fish were found. After questioning, the driver admitted to carrying the batch of fish with the intent to resell them for profit.
According to the identification results from the Technical Centre of Gongbei Customs, this batch of ornamental fish included 16 species in total, such as the Centropyge argi (cherubfish), Microcanthus strigatus (zebra fish), Diagramma pictum (painted sweetlips), and Acanthurus coeruleus (blue tang).
In the statement, Gongbei Customs reminds the public that, in accordance with laws and regulations, bringing live animals and plants into the country without approval is prohibited. Those who violate these provisions will be held legally responsible by Customs.
Customs bust man for smuggling US$ 275,000 in cash
Meanwhile, Gongbei Customs announced in a separate statement on Saturday that its officers caught a local driver smuggling US$275,000 (2.196 million patacas) in cash into Macau.
According to the statement, on October 1, Gongbei Customs officers at the Gongbei Border checkpoint while inspecting a dual–plate vehicle noticed anomalies and signs of modification in the glove compartment of the front passenger seat.
A follow-up inspection revealed that six bundles of US dollar banknotes, totalling US$275,000, were concealed behind the glove compartment.
Gongbei Customs reminded the public that currency in cash is a restricted entry and exit item. Passengers entering and exiting the mainland are required to follow the national regulations and take the initiative to declare the amount of cash they are carrying. Any traveller violating the regulations faces a fine.
This undated handout photo provided by Gongbei Customs on Saturday shows ornamental fish seized from a dual–plate vehicle.
This undated handout photo provided by the Gongbei Customs on Saturday shows the smuggler pointing at the glove compartment where he concealed US$275,000.
