Hong Kong Customs seized about 14 kilogrammes (kg) of suspected dried seahorses and arrested one male incoming passenger at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (May 14).
Customs officers conducted Customs clearance on one male passenger at the airport last evening. The male passenger arrived Hong Kong from Cairo, Egypt via Bangkok, Thailand. During the clearance, Customs officers found about 14 kg of suspected dried seahorses from the male passenger’s checked-in baggage. The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.
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.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person found guilty of exporting an endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million and imprisonment for two years.
Hong Kong Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement action to combat sea smuggling activities. Members of the public can report suspected smuggling activities to Customs through the 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Sunday, May 15, 2016
