Hong Kong Customs on 17 October received the "Impact" Award and the "Collaboration" Award, jointly with the Anti-Smuggling Bureau of Shanghai Customs, at the virtual award ceremony for the 2024-2025 Asia Environmental Enforcement Recognition of Excellence (AEEE) organised by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, and the Deputy Commissioner (Control and Enforcement), Mr Mark Woo, received the awards on behalf of the Department.
The AEEE, established by the UNEP, is conferred upon institutions and individuals that demonstrate excellent contributions to tackling transboundary environmental crimes across Asia. It is authoritative and recognised in the area of international environmental enforcement.
The "Impact" Award recognises Hong Kong Customs' integration of financial investigations with law enforcement against a smuggling case involving scheduled live corals in July 2022, which demonstrates significant enforcement effectiveness. The "Collaboration" Award commends the Hong Kong–Shanghai joint operation "Secure Harbour 2024–2025" , which effectively intercepted controlled shark products and dismantled a large-scale smuggling syndicate.
Hong Kong Customs will continue to liaise and work closely with other law enforcement agencies and step up enforcement work in combating the illegal trade in endangered species.
■ The Deputy Commissioner (Control and Enforcement) of Customs and Excise, Mr Mark Woo (centre) and officers of the Syndicate Crimes Investigation Bureau of Customs attend the virtual award ceremony for the 2024-2025 Asia Environmental Enforcement Recognition of Excellence.
■ In July 2022, Hong Kong Customs detected a smuggling case, which included 231 kilograms of controlled live corals.
