Customs and Excise Department

The Customs and Excise Department is the Hong Kong government agency responsible for enforcing customs laws, combating smuggling, and protecting intellectual property rights. Recent news highlights the department's increased activity in intercepting smuggled goods. Specifically, they've seized HK$140 million worth of illicit medicines, including slimming injections, cosmetic injections, and erectile dysfunction pills, arresting four individuals in the process. Furthermore, the department is actively working to prevent the smuggling of endangered orchids, with 23 cases recorded in the first month of the year, anticipating a surge during the Lunar New Year. They also seized over 14,000 smuggled slimming injections destined for Macau. These actions underscore the department's ongoing efforts to safeguard public health, protect endangered species, and maintain border security, particularly during periods of increased demand and activity.