Hong Kong Customs seized about 109 kilograms of suspected European eel and arrested three male and one female incoming passengers at Hong Kong International Airport today (January 5).
Customs officers conducted Customs clearance on three male and one female passengers separately at the airport this morning. Four passengers arrived Hong Kong from Madrid, Spain via Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. During the clearance, Customs officers found the suspected European eels from their checked-in baggages.
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, 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/Tuesday, January 5, 2016
