Hong Kong Customs seized about 26 kilograms of suspected ivory products worth about $260,000 and arrested an incoming male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (April 16).
Customs officers intercepted a suspicious male passenger at the airport last night. The 27-year-old passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, via Dubai, United Arab Emirates. During Customs clearance, about 26 kilograms of suspected ivory products concealed in two tailor-made vests were found inside his hand baggage and backpack. 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/Sunday, April 17, 2016
