Hong Kong Customs detected a smuggling case at Lok Ma Chau Control Point on September 17 and seized 148 pieces of suspected endangered snake skin with an estimated market value of about $740,000.
Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, Customs officers at Lok Ma Chau Control Point on that day selected and inspected an inbound consignment, which arrived in Hong Kong from Indonesia via Shenzhen, declared as cloth. The batch of suspected smuggled snake skin was found inside the consignment.
Upon follow-up investigation, Customs officers yesterday (September 21) arrested a 36-year-old woman suspected to be connected with the case in Yuen Long.
An investigation is ongoing.
Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo 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 or exporting an endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Tuesday, September 22, 2020
