​Hong Kong Customs yesterday (October 14) seized about 27 kilograms of suspected scheduled dried shark fin with an estimated market value of about $27,000 at Hong Kong International Airport.
Customs officers intercepted a 40-year-old male passenger arriving in Hong Kong from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia at the airport yesterday evening. The batch of suspected scheduled dried shark fin were found inside his check-in baggage.
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 (the 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 an imprisonment for ten years.
Customs reminds members of the public that the Ordinance has been amended since last year and the penalties under the Ordinance has also been drastically increased. Customs will continue stepping up inspection against passengers arriving in Hong Kong at all boundary control points to combat activities of endangered species smuggling. Members of the public are urged not to break the law.
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, October 15, 2019
