Hong Kong Customs today (November 16) seized about 109 kilograms of suspected pangolin scales with an estimated market value of about $420,000 at Hong Kong International Airport.
Customs officers intercepted two 40-year-old female passengers at the airport this afternoon. The two women arrived in Hong Kong from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, via Casablanca, Morocco and Doha, Qatar. They were planning to transit to Macao.
During Customs clearance, the batch of suspected pangolin scales were found concealed inside tin foil bags in four of their check-in suitcases. The two women were then arrested.
The cases were 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 ten years.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Friday, November 16, 2018
