Pinched: smuggling ring abandon three tonnes of live lobster

The origin has not been confirmed but it is believed the crustaceans could have been caught in Australia.

The lobsters, estimated to be worth $237,000, were found in boxes on a small island between Hong Kong and mainland China on January 10, customs superintendent Jason Lau Yuk-lung said.

The import of Australian lobster to China, formerly a $700 million industry, was halted in late 2020 with Chinese authorities citing concerns over "metal contamination".

Superintendent Lau said the lobsters are "subject to tariffs of about 80 per cent on the mainland...smugglers could have evaded around [AUD$191,000] in taxes if the cargo was successfully smuggled across the border".

Boxes of lobsters were found in Tai O fishing village on Lantau Island when they were allegedly delivered to a loading bay on a fleet of brand new unregistered tricycles.

Superintendent Lau said two speedboats with their navigation lights switched off were seen driving towards the port and three to four men were spotted loading boxes onto the boat.

"As customs officers moved in and attempted to intercept those on the seashore, the loading crew abandoned the cargo and jumped onto the two speedboats to escape," Superintendent Lau said.

Police confiscated the boxes and tricycles and were investigating the alleged smuggling attempt.

The penalty for exporting illegal cargo to China is up to seven years in prison and a fine of AUD$382,000.