Hong Kong Customs seized about 9.2 kilograms of suspected worked ivory worth about $92,000 at Hong Kong International Airport today (November 11).
Customs officers intercepted a 44-year-old male passenger at the airport this evening. The man arrived at Hong Kong from Lagos, Nigeria via Istanbul, Turkey. During Customs clearance, about 9.2 kg of suspected worked ivory were found inside the passenger’s check-in baggage. The passenger was then arrested. 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/Friday, November 11, 2016
