Customs officers arrested a 46-year-old woman for allegedly trying to smuggle seven small animals into Hong Kong through the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point on Saturday.
The animals – one sugar glider, one chinchilla, one mouse, one hamster and three guinea pigs – have an estimated market value of about HK$4,300.
They were found in paper bags the woman was carrying when officers stopped her in the checkpoint’s arrival hall.
The case has been handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for further investigation.
Following the incident, customs reminded the public that it is an offence to import animals into the SAR without a valid permit.
Under the Rabies Regulation, anyone found guilty of illegally importing animals is liable to a fine up to HK$50,000 and imprisonment for one year.
