​Hong Kong Customs inspected one lot of containers in May and seized about 74 400 kilograms of suspected scheduled Guibourtia species wood logs with an estimated market value of about $600 000.
Through risk assessment, Customs officers inspected one lot of containers, declared to contain wood logs arriving in Hong Kong from Gabon, at the Tsing Yi Cargo Examination Compound. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the suspected scheduled Guibourtia species wood logs in three of the containers.
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 $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Tuesday, June 11, 2019
