Hong Kong Customs and the Marine Police yesterday (December 23) conducted a joint operation and cracked down on a suspected case of smuggling by speedboats at the seashore of Lau Fau Shan. A total of about 1 100 kilograms of suspected red sandalwood, an endangered species, valued at about $440,000 were seized.
Customs officers and the Marine Police yesterday afternoon spotted two suspicious speedboats at the seashore of Deep Bay Road, Lau Fau Shan. A van then arrived at the scene and a few men started to transfer wood logs from the van onto the speedboats. Officers immediately took enforcement action. The men jumped onto one of the speedboats and fled. A total of 87 pieces of suspected red sandalwood were seized, and the van and the speedboat were detained. The case is still under investigation.
Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of 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 exporting an endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million and imprisonment for two years.
Hong Kong Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement action against sea smuggling activities. Members of the public can report suspected smuggling activities to the Customs through the 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Thursday, December 24, 2015
