Hong Kong Customs seized about 44 kilograms of suspected worked ivory and 90 grams of suspected pangolin scales with an estimated market value of about $440,000 at Hong Kong International Airport today (November 10).
Customs officers intercepted four male passengers, aged from 29 to 46 at the airport this evening. The four men arrived at Hong Kong from Lagos, Nigeria via Istanbul, Turkey. During Customs clearance, about 44kg of suspected worked ivory and 90g of suspected pangolin scales were found inside their check-in baggage.
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/Thursday, November 10, 2016
