Hong Kong customs officials have uncovered a significant case of smuggling involving luxury food items at the HK port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. Approximately 24 kilograms of suspected smuggled bird's nest and 43 kilograms of regulated fish maw, valued at around HK$5.2 million, were seized, and a 53-year-old male driver was arrested.
On Feb. 20, customs officers searched an outbound electric vehicle based on risk assessments and intelligence analysis. During the inspection, they found a batch of bird's nest in the front trunk and discovered additional containers hidden between the car's battery and undercarriage. After removing the battery, they uncovered more bird's nest and fish maw.
Customs noted that the vehicle, a Tesla, showed signs of modification, with non-original screws and specially installed metal brackets to create space for smuggling the items. The investigation revealed that the vehicle owner operates a shell company with no actual business activities in HK. The driver has since been released on bail, while authorities are tracing the origins of the seized items. The fish maw will be sent to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for further testing to determine if it is regulated under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance.
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