Hong Kong Customs today (September 18) seized about 350 kilograms of dried shark fins of suspected scheduled hammerhead sharks and oceanic whitetip sharks with an estimated market value of about $280,000 from a container at Tsing Yi Cargo Examination Compound.
Through risk assessment, Customs officers inspected a container arriving in Hong Kong from United Arab Emirates. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the suspected scheduled dried shark fins in the 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/Monday, September 18, 2017
