Hong Kong Customs seized about 29 kilograms of suspected worked ivory worth about $290,000 and arrested two incoming male passengers at Hong Kong International Airport today (October 16).
Customs officers intercepted a 28-year-old and a 34-year-old male passengers at the airport this afternoon. The two passengers arrived in Hong Kong from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. During Customs clearance, about 29 kilograms of suspected worked ivory were found inside their check-in suitcases. 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.
Ends/Sunday, October 16, 2016
