Hong Kong Customs detected a suspected case of smuggling at Shenzhen Bay Control Point yesterday (May 19). About 98.65 kilograms (kg) of suspected ivory, 6.82kg of suspected hornbill beak and 1.75kg of suspected agarwood, with a total market value of about $1.05 million, were seized. A man was arrested.
Customs officers conducted Customs clearance on an outgoing seven-seater private car at Shenzhen Bay Control Point yesterday afternoon. The suspected endangered species items were seized from a male passenger's baggage. The 50-year-old male passenger was arrested on suspicion of breaching the Import and Export Ordinance and the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance. The case is still under investigation.
Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of 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 exporting an endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million and imprisonment for two years.
Ends/Friday, May 20, 2016
