Hong Kong Customs seized about 7 400 kilograms of suspected smuggled red sandalwood with an estimated market value of about $5.5 million from two containers at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound on April 6. This is the first time Customs has detected the smuggling of wood logs concealed inside furniture.
Through risk assessment, Customs officers selected two containers that arrived in Hong Kong from India for inspection on that day and found the batch of suspected red sandalwood concealed inside a batch of furniture including wooden cabinets and sofas.
After follow-up investigation, Customs officers yesterday (April 7) arrested a 63-year-old man suspected to be connected with the case in Yuen Long.
Investigation is ongoing and the arrested man has been released on bail pending 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.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven 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 8, 2020
