Hong Kong Customs seized about 75 kilograms of suspected scheduled dried seahorses with an estimated market value of about $1 million at Lok Ma Chau Control Point and in Tuen Mun on November 25 and 26 respectively. This is the largest case detected by Customs this year involving scheduled dried seahorses.
Through risk assessment, Customs officers at Lok Ma Chau Control Point on November 25 selected and inspected an inbound express consignment declared as body scrub, which arrived in Hong Kong from Indonesia via Shenzhen, and found about 25kg of suspected scheduled dried seahorses inside.
After follow-up investigation, Customs officers arrested a 63-year-old man suspected to be connected with the case at a residential premises in Tuen Mun on November 26 and further seized about 50kg of suspected scheduled dried seahorses inside the premises.
Investigation is ongoing and the arrested man has been released on bail pending further investigation.
Customs reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in smuggling activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people, nor to release their personal data or home address to others for receiving parcels or goods.
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, December 1, 2020
