Cockroaches, frozen rats among 118kg of pests, pet food seized in Hong Kong

Smuggled cockroaches, frozen domestic rats and mealworms were among a haul of pests seized at a border checkpoint in Hong Kong, with a local driver arrested, authorities said on Friday.

The Customs and Excise Department said officers intercepted the 118kg (260lbs) shipment – which also contained moth larvae and fruit flies mixed with declared goods – inside a goods vehicle at the Man Kam To control point the previous day.

Officers said the items were suspected to be smuggled live plant pests and frozen pet food, with an estimated market value of about HK$35,000 (US$4,460).

“A 40-year-old local male driver was arrested. An investigation is ongoing,” the department said.

The items have been passed to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.