Hong Kong Customs and the Marine Police this morning (March 11) conducted a joint operation and cracked down on a suspected case of smuggling by river trade vessel in Tuen Mun. A total of about 1 100 kilograms of suspected red sandalwood, an endangered species, valued at about $430,000 were seized.
Customs officers and the Marine Police this morning spotted a river trade cargo vessel off Lung Kwu Tan, Tuen Mun. Officers intercepted the vessel for a search and found the suspected red sandalwood. The 63-year-old male coxswain was arrested. The case is still under investigation.
Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person found guilty of exporting an endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million and imprisonment for two years.
Hong Kong Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement action to combat sea smuggling activities. Members of the public can report suspected smuggling activities to the Customs through the 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Friday, March 11, 2016
