Hong Kong Customs yesterday (June 23) seized about 2.8 tonnes of suspected scheduled dried guitarfish fins of endangered species and about 72 kilograms of suspected scheduled dried shark fins of endangered species with an estimated market value of about $3.9 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 Guinea for inspection and found the batch of suspected scheduled dried guitarfish fins and suspected scheduled dried shark fins.
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/Thursday, June 24, 2021
