Two Mainland men who were involved in stealing Buddha pines in Sai Kung were each sentenced to 21 months' jail today.

The Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts heard that on the morning of December 5, 2003, police mounted an operation along coastal the areas, Yin Tsz Ngam and Kei Kok Tau, in Sai Kung.

About 10 men were found moving uprooted Buddha pines along the beach. A number of tools, including an iron bar, two hoes, two saws and two pairs of pliers were also found on the beach.

When three police officers disguised as hikers approached the men, they fled but two of them, aged 20 and 22, were intercepted.

The pair were later charged with assisting to export unmanifested cargo, remaining in Hong Kong without the authority of the Director of Immigration after landing unlawfully in Hong Kong, and going equipped for stealing.