Hong Kong Customs on March 3 seized about 1.2 kilograms of suspected scheduled dried totoaba fish maws with an estimated market value of about $260,000 at Hong Kong International Airport.
Through risk assessment, Customs on that day inspected an air express parcel, declared to be carrying gifts and clothing, arriving in Hong Kong from Mexico. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected scheduled dried totoaba macdonaldi fish maws wrapped with clothes inside the parcel.
An investigation is ongoing.
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.
With the recent reduction in air passenger traffic, Customs will continue to step up enforcement against trafficking activities involving prohibited and controlled items through air cargo, postal parcel and express courier channels.
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/Friday, March 18, 2022
