Hong Kong Customs seized about 211 tonnes of suspected scheduled wood logs of an endangered species with an estimated market value of about $1.1 million from seven containers at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound and the Tsing Yi Customs Cargo Examination Compound between April 29 and today (May 5). This is the largest seizure of suspected scheduled wood logs made by Customs over the past five years.
Through risk assessment, Customs officers selected seven containers that arrived in Hong Kong from Cambodia for inspection during the above-mentioned period. Upon inspection, the batch of suspected scheduled wood logs was found inside the containers.
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, May 5, 2021
