A man was sentenced to 15 months' imprisonment today (March 22) at District Court following an earlier conviction for using air cargo to smuggle red sandalwood, in contravention of the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (PESO).
Hong Kong Customs inspected an air consignment arriving in Hong Kong from India at Hong Kong International Airport on November 3, 2018, and found about 547 kilograms of red sandalwood. A 50-year-old man connected with the case was arrested.
Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of smuggling endangered species.
Under the PESO, 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/Wednesday, March 22, 2023
