The Customs and Excise Department yesterday (December 14) conducted an anti-smuggling operation in Tai Ho Wan, Tung Chung, and smashed a speedboat smuggling case. In the operation, 321 turtles, 198 snakes and a light goods vehicle with a total value of about $100,000 were seized. The turtles and snakes seized were endangered species.
At about 7pm last night, Customs officers of the Marine Strike and Support Division, while conducting an anti-smuggling operation in Tung Chung, found three men loading some goods from a light goods vehicle onto a speedboat at the seashore in Tai Ho Wan. The officers took immediate enforcement action.
The three suspects immediately jumped onboard the speedboat and fled away. Subsequently, the officers seized 18 bags of live turtles, nine boxes of live snakes and the lights goods vehicle at scene. No arrest was made in the operation.
A Customs spokesperson said today (December 15) that the department would continue to take stringent enforcement action to combat marine smuggling activities.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of exporting unmanifested cargoes is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
In addition, under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting endangered species for commercial purposes is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million and imprisonment for two years.
Ends/Saturday, December 15 2012
