Hong Kong Customs detected two suspected cases of endangered species smuggling at the Air Mail Centre of Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (June 21). About three kilogrammes (kg) of suspected ivory and about 29.6 kg of suspected dried seahorses were seized from an inbound air parcel and six inbound air parcels respectively, worth about $60,000 in total.
Upon Customs clearance, Customs officers screened an inbound air parcel declared as toys and sent from South Africa to Hong Kong. Suspicious images were found under X-ray inspection. Customs officers opened the parcel and found the suspected ivory. In another six inbound air parcels declared as dried food and sent from India to Hong Kong, Customs officers found suspected dried seahorses concealed inside.
The cases were handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up.
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/Wednesday, June 22, 2016
