Hong Kong Customs today (June 9) seized about 2.5 kilograms(kg) of suspected rhino horns with an estimated market value of about $500,000 at Hong Kong International Airport.
Customs officers intercepted a 46-year-old male passenger at the airport this morning. The man arrived in Hong Kong from Johannesburg, South Africa. During Customs clearance, about 2.5 kg of suspected rhino horns were found inside his check-in baggage. The suspected rhino horns were wrapped by tin foil and placed inside a food package. 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/Friday, June 9, 2017
