Bird seizure: Customs officers have seized a bird at Lo Wu checkpoint, concealed inside a paper tea container.

Customs officers have arrested a 75-year-old man for bringing a live bird into Hong Kong without a valid health certificate.

On June 18 officers at Lo Wu checkpoint seized the mynah, worth about $70, from the man who had arrived from Shenzhen. The bird was concealed inside a paper tea container.

The case has been referred to the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department.

Under the Public Health (Animals & Birds) Ordinance it is an offence to import into Hong Kong any bird, unless it is accompanied by a valid health certificate. The maximum penalty is a fine of $25,000.