********************************************************
A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said that two men, aged 36 and 23, were sentenced at the Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Courts today (September 4) to four and six months' imprisonment respectively for smuggling ivory tusks and worked ivory.
Customs officers yesterday (September 3) seized a total of 95.4 kilograms of ivory tusks and worked ivory at the Hong Kong International Airport. The items were found inside the check-in baggage of the two offenders, who were in transit from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to Beijing. The case was then referred to the AFCD for follow-up action. The AFCD immediately instituted prosecution against the two offenders.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap 586), any person found guilty of importing, exporting, re-exporting or possessing any endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million, imprisonment for two years and mandatory forfeiture of the specimens. The public is reminded to comply with the regulations.
To enquire about the import of endangered species and report illegal import cases, the public can call 1823 or visit the website www.cites.org.hk.
Ends/Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Issued at HKT 19:04
NNNN
