Hong Kong Customs seized about 15 kilograms of suspected ivory cut pieces and products worth about $150,000 and arrested an incoming male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport today (August 24).
Customs officers intercepted a suspicious male passenger at the airport this morning. The 42-year-old man arrived in Hong Kong from Abuja, Nigeria via Dubai, United Arab Emirates. During Customs clearance, Customs officers found about 15kg of suspected ivory cut pieces and products concealed in a tailor-made vest inside his hand baggage. 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, offenders convicted of importing an endangered species without a licence are liable to a maximum fine of 100,000 and imprisonment for one year.
Ends/Monday, August 24, 2015
