3 million bees confiscated in New York

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NEW YORK, Aug. 24 (UPI) -- The New York City Beekeepers Association said it confiscated 3 million bees from the home of a man cited by the city Health Department.

The association said the 45 hives were being kept in the driveway by the man, who owns a restaurant and was a beekeeper in China before coming to the United States. Workers removed the bees and their hives Wednesday, WCBS, New York, reported Friday.

"I think most hobbyists limit themselves to one or two," said Adam Johnson of the beekeepers association. He said keeping 45 hives was "beyond comprehension."

The city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene issued the man a citation and a fine Tuesday. The amount of the citation was not disclosed, but failing to register a beehive with the department is punishable by a fine of as much as $2,000 per hive.