Hong Kong Customs yesterday (March 23) detected a suspected sea-bound cargo smuggling case and seized about 7,000 kilograms of suspected giant clams, an endangered species, and about 25,000kg of dried sea shells from a container. The total value of the seizure was about $1.4 million.
Customs officers, through risk assessment, conducted inspection on a 40-foot container arriving from Vietnam and declared to contain "metal scrap" at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound yesterday. Upon examination, the suspected giant clams and dried sea shells were found. Investigation is ongoing.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing unmanifested cargoes is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing an endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million and imprisonment for two years.
Ends/Thursday, March 24, 2016
