Hong Kong Customs seized about 10 kilograms of suspected ivory pieces worth about $100,000 and arrested an incoming male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport today (March 14).
Customs officers intercepted a suspicious 32-year-old male passenger at the airport this evening. The said passenger arrived at Hong Kong from Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire via Dubai, United Arab Emirates. During Customs clearance, about 10 kilograms of suspected ivory pieces were found inside the passenger's check-in baggage. 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 an endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million and imprisonment for two years.
Ends/Monday, March 14, 2016
