Hong Kong Customs and the Marine Police yesterday (May 12) cracked down on a suspected case of smuggling by speedboat in Tuen Mun. Frozen pangolin, which is an endangered species, and pangolin scales weighing about 345 kilograms and 16 kilograms respectively and about 1 400 mobile phones, with a total value of about $1.1 million, were seized.
Customs officers and the Marine Police mounted an anti-smuggling operation in Tuen Mun yesterday evening. Officers took enforcement action after spotting several persons loading goods onto a speedboat at Kadoorie Pier. The men jumped onto the speedboat and fled. A total of 14 cartons of suspected frozen pangolin, one carton of suspected pangolin scales and four cartons of mobile phones were seized. 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 Customs through the 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Friday, May 13, 2016
