Illegal lobsters believed to have been smuggled from Australia seized in Hong Kong

Authorities in Hong Kong have seized more than three tonnes of lobsters believed to have been smuggled from Australia.

The haul, estimated to be worth almost $240,000, consisted of containers filled with the crustaceans, with some still wriggling around.

They were believed to be bound for mainland China in the lead-up to the Lunar New Year.

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Superintendent Jason Lau Yuk-lung, of Hong Kong customs, said officers busted the alleged smuggling plot after four men were spotted loading the boxes from tricycles onto two speedboats at Lantau Island on Wednesday evening.

Lau said the vessels had their navigation lights turned off.

"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," Lau said.

The boats fled towards Chinese waters.

The three tricycle drivers abandoned their vehicles and fled the scene on foot.

Officers seized dozens of boxes of lobsters, as well as the five tricycles, but no arrests were made.

Lau said high-end food products, such as lobsters, were sought after on the Chinese mainland ahead of the Lunar New Year.