December 3, 2019

Smuggled frozen meat worth US$50 million confiscated by Hong Kong customs

540 tonnes of unidentified frozen meat was seized by Hong Kong customs as it was being smuggled from Hong Kong to be brought to mainland China, reported Reuters.

In a statement by the customs authority, the meat was discovered in four fishing vessels that were departing from Hong Kong, with six men aged between 52 and 64 arrested. The ships were destined for China, said local broadcaster RTHK.

Meat smuggling has become more profitable as pork supplies in China have dwindled due to the African swine fever outbreak in the country. As a result, meat prices in China have increased to record levels.

To supplement declining meat supplies, China has approved more overseas meat plants and boosted meat imports. In October this year, pork imports have doubled compared to the same month in 2018, with beef arrivals 63.2% higher on year.

-  Reuters