Hong Kong's wildlife protection officials detected 23 cases of smuggled orchids between January 1 and February 1, 2024. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department expects these numbers to grow as the Lunar New Year holiday nears. Endangered Species Protection Officer Jenny Lau Yuen-yung said, "We expect the number of cases to rise as we get closer to Lunar New Year." She explained that smuggling usually spikes just before the holiday. The department will increase patrols and border enforcement in cooperation with the Customs and Excise Department. They will also hand out brochures to warn the public about illegal orchid imports. In Hong Kong, all orchid species are protected under the Protection of Endangered Species Ordinance, which follows international rules under CITES to ensure sustainable trade. Authorities are determined to stop the illegal trade as holiday demand rises sharply.