Hong Kong Customs seized about 60 kilograms (kg) of suspected worked ivory worth about $600,000 and arrested three incoming male passengers at Hong Kong International Airport today (October 19).
Customs officers intercepted two 32-year-old male passengers and a 33-year-old male passenger at the airport this afternoon. The three men arrived at Hong Kong from Harare, Zimbabwe, via Dubai, United Arab Emirates. During Customs clearance, a total of about 60kg of suspected worked ivory was found concealed in three tailor-made vests inside their backpacks. The cases were 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/Wednesday, October 19, 2016
