​Hong Kong Customs detected two smuggling cases of suspected scheduled agarwood involving outbound passengers at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point, and seized a total of about 13.2 kilograms of suspected scheduled agarwood with an estimated market value of about $1.06 million over the past two days (March 12 and 13).
Customs officers in the past two days conducted customs clearance on two outgoing male passengers, aged 32 and 38, heading to the Mainland at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point. About 4.2 kg and about 9 kg of suspected scheduled agarwood were found inside their backpacks respectively. The two men were subsequently arrested.
Both cases were handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up.
Following the full resumption of normal travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland on February 6, Hong Kong Customs will strengthen clearance on passengers crossing the border at all control points and will continue to co-operate closely with Mainland Customs and local law enforcement agencies to take vigorous enforcement action against different kinds of smuggling activities.
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/Tuesday, March 14, 2023
