Hong Kong Customs seized about 10 kilograms of suspected rhino horns worth about $2 million and arrested three incoming passengers, two men and a woman aged 30 to 56, at Hong Kong International Airport today (September 21).
Customs officers this morning separately intercepted three passengers arriving from Johannesburg, South Africa, for Customs clearance. During clearance, Customs officers found a total of about 10kg of suspected rhino horn cut pieces inside their check-in baggage. These rhino horn cut pieces were suspected to be from three whole rhino horns. It is believed that the smugglers attempted to evade Customs detection by cutting the suspected rhino horns into pieces.
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, convicted offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year.
Ends/Monday, September 21, 2015
