Customs seize 48,000 hairy crabs at Lok Ma Chau
Customs officials say they have seized a record 48,000 smuggled hairy crabs at the Lok Ma Chau checkpoint.  The Chinese mitten crabs, weighing 10.8 tonnes and worth about HK$7.2 million, were found in a truck - which claimed to be carrying electronic goods. Officers said the smuggled crabs had no health certificates and their origin was unknown.  A 57-year-old driver has been detained for investigation. Senior customs inspector Ng Wai-on said officers had stepped up enforcement against illegally imported hairy crabs and launched a joint operation with the Centre for Food Safety since September.   "Based on the successful interception on Sunday and our recent increased surveillance, we believe that none of these illegally imported crabs have been put on the market," he said.  The season for hairy crabs, which are popular with Hong Kong diners, usually runs from September to December. Ng stressed that smuggling is a serious offence and reminded the trade not to import or sell hairy crabs from unknown sources.  He also appealed to the public to patronise reputable licensed shops and restaurants.