Hong Kong Customs yesterday (August 12) seized a batch of suspected smuggled goods, including about 4 tonnes of dried shark fins and about 1.1 tonnes of suspected scheduled dried guitarfish fins of endangered species, with a total estimated market value of about $3.4 million, from a container at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound.
Through risk assessment, Customs officers selected a container arriving in Hong Kong from Democratic Republic of the Congo for inspection and found the batch of suspected smuggled dried shark fins and dried guitarfish fins.
Investigation is ongoing.
Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
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/Friday, August 13, 2021
