Hong Kong Customs yesterday (June 9) seized over 1.4 tonnes of suspected scheduled dried Gekko gecko, an endangered species, with an estimated market value of about $1.24 million at Hong Kong International Airport. This is the first seizure of suspected illegally imported dried Gekko gecko made by Customs since Gekko gecko was listed in the Appendix of the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance on April 30 this year.
Through risk assessment, Customs officers inspected two air consignments, declared as carrying pet food, arriving in Hong Kong from Indonesia. Upon examination, Customs officers found two batches of suspected smuggled dried Gekko gecko in 59 carton boxes.
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 10, 2021
