The Customs & Excise Department warns Lunar New Year travellers not to bring orchids into Hong Kong without a licence, after arresting 28 people at boundary checkpoints and seizing 78 pots of orchids at the weekend.

The arrestees, aged 27 to 76, were handed to Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation officers for follow-up investigation. They face a $100,000 fine and a year's jail.

The importation of orchids without a licence is prohibited under the Animals & Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance. Importation requires import licences or permits to be issued in advance by the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department.

Customs also reminds that under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, Hong Kong adults can bring in 60 cigarettes duty free. Incoming passengers must declare any quantity of dutiable cigarettes, or face a $1 million fine and two years jail.

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