Hong Kong Customs today (March 25) seized about 25 kilograms of suspected worked ivory with an estimated market value of about $514,000 at Hong Kong International Airport.
Customs officers intercepted a 20-year-old male passenger at the airport this afternoon. The man arrived in Hong Kong from Harare, Zimbabwe via Dubai, United Arab Emirates. During Customs clearance, the suspected worked ivory was found inside his rucksack and a tailor-made vest in his hand-carry luggage. 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/Saturday, March 25, 2017
