Neo Democrats
Despite the increasing importation of infant formula (powdered formula) from foreign countries, the milk powder shortage intensified greatly due to the intense parallel trading activity in Hong Kong. According to the Neo Democrats, during January 2013, parallel traders hired elderly persons and housewives, giving them $20–$50 per can of milk formula, to line up in front of stores at night to purchase multiple tins of milk powder and then transfer it to traders. Furthermore, ringleader traders hired women with children and the elderly to help them to transport the milk powder across the border to avoid inspections.