Hong Kong Customs yesterday (December 14) seized about 1 610 kilograms of suspected American ginseng and 162 bottles of suspected American ginseng immersed liquor with an estimated market value of about $640,000 at Hong Kong International Airport.
Through risk assessment, Customs officers yesterday inspected an air consignment, declared to be carrying health products, arriving in Hong Kong from Canada. The batch of suspected American ginseng and suspected American ginseng immersed liquor were found concealed inside 890 cartons.
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 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 15, 2020
