An average of two Filipinos a month have been arrested at Hong Kong International Airport for carrying stun guns, many of them passengers in transit to other destinations.
The Philippine Consulate General has issued a warning to Filipinos not to carry stun guns, pepper spray and other restricted items when they come to Hong Kong, even if they are only transiting through the city.
A total of 30 Filipinos, mostly transiting Hong Kong, were arrested at Hong Kong International Airport for carrying stun guns and other illegal items in their hand-carry or checked-in luggage last year, hongkongnews.com.hk reported.
Consul Paul Saret, the head of the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) – Assistance to Nationals Section, warned Filipinos that Hong Kong was very strict with stun guns, bullets, pepper spray, extended batons, tear gas, flick knives and knuckledusters as all of these are considered to be arms under Hong Kong law.
Under Hong Kong’s Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance, any person convicted faces a fine of HK$100,000 and a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment.
Read: Filipino woman with stun gun nabbed at Hong Kong airport