Hong Kong Customs yesterday (January 7) seized over 1 tonne of suspected scheduled dried shark fins of endangered species with an estimated market value of about $750,000 at Hong Kong International Airport.
Through risk assessment, Customs officers inspected an air consignment arriving in Hong Kong from the Philippines and found the batch of suspected scheduled shark fins inside.
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/Friday, January 8, 2021
