Hong Kong Customs today (March 8) seized about 7 kilograms of suspected rhino horns with an estimated market value of about $1.4 million at Hong Kong International Airport.
Customs officers intercepted a 21-year-old male passenger at the airport this afternoon. The man arrived in Hong Kong from Maputo, Mozambique via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. During Customs clearance, about 7kg of suspected rhino horns wrapped in aluminium sheets and adhesive tape were found inside his check-in baggage. The man 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 or exporting an endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million and imprisonment for two years.
Ends/Wednesday, March 8, 2017
