Hong Kong Customs seized about 18 kilograms of suspected worked ivory worth about $180,000 and arrested an incoming male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport today (January 03).
Customs officers intercepted a suspicious 25-year-old male passenger at the airport this afternoon. The man arrived Hong Kong from Harare, Zimbabwe via Dubai, United Arab Emirates. During Customs clearance, Customs officers found about 18 kilograms of suspected worked ivory concealed in a pair of underpants and 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, any person found guilty of importing an endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million and imprisonment for two years.
Ends/Sunday, January 3, 2016
