Hong Kong Customs yesterday (August 23) seized about 180 kilograms of suspected scheduled dried shark fin and 500 grams of suspected scheduled dried seahorse with an estimated market value of about $50,000 at Hong Kong International Airport.
Customs officers intercepted three male passengers arriving in Hong Kong from Manila, the Philippines, at the airport yesterday afternoon.
During Customs clearance, the batch of suspected scheduled dried shark fin and dried seahorse was found inside their check-in baggage. The three men, aged between 21 and 38, were then arrested.
The case has been handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up action.
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/Saturday, August 24, 2019
