Hong Kong Customs today (February 9) seized about 8 590 kilograms of suspected red sandalwood from a container at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound. The estimated market value of the seizure was about $6 million.
Customs officers selected a shipment arriving in Hong Kong from Malaysia for inspection and found the suspected red sandalwood in a container.
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 $5 million and imprisonment for two years.
Ends/Thursday, February 9, 2017
