Hong Kong Customs today (August 12) seized about 2.6 kilograms of suspected rhino horns with an estimated market value of $520,000 at the Hong Kong International Airport.
Customs officers intercepted a 37-year-old male passenger who arrived from Johannesburg of South Africa this afternoon. During Customs clearance, about 2.6 kilograms of suspected rhino horns wrapped with tin foil and plastic tapes were found inside two paper boxes in his check-in baggage. The man was then arrested.
The case has been 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, August 12, 2017
