Hong Kong Customs yesterday (November 2) seized about 83 000 kilograms of suspected Guatemalan rosewood from three containers at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound. The estimated market value of the seizure was about $3.3 million.
Through risk assessment, Customs officers inspected three containers arriving in Hong Kong from Panama. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the suspected Guatemalan rosewood in 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/Saturday, November 3, 2018
