Hong Kong Customs officers yesterday (September 9) seized 384 unmanifested ivory tusks inside two containers shipped to Hong Kong. The ivory tusks were worth about $10.85 million.
The consignment, declared as 277 packages of "dried anchovies" came from Tanzania to Hong Kong.
Customs Officers of the Ports and Maritime Command found 384 ivory tusks (weighing 1,550 kilogrammes) concealed inside the consignment during examination at Tsing Yi Container Terminal. After preliminary investigation, two males aged 46 and 48, were arrested and a follow-up investigation is still going on.
The Head of Ports and Maritime Command, Mr Albert Chan, stressed at a press briefing today (September 10) that smuggling was a serious offence and Customs would continue to crack down on any smuggling activities.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing unmanifested cargoes is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
In addition, under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing, exporting, re-exporting or possessing an endangered species for commercial purpose is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million and imprisonment for two years.
Ends/Friday, September 10, 2010
