Hong Kong Customs yesterday (March 31) seized about 392 kilograms of suspected scheduled dried shark fins of endangered species with an estimated market value of about $110,000 from a container at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound.
Through risk assessment, Customs officers selected a container arriving in Hong Kong from Morocco for inspection and found the batch of suspected scheduled shark fins mix-loaded with non-scheduled shark fins inside the container.
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 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, April 1, 2020
