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Hong Kong Customs seized about 63 kilogrammes (kg) of suspected European eels and 46 kg of suspected dried shark fins of Smooth Hammerhead Sharks, both endangered species, and arrested two female incoming passengers at Hong Kong International Airport last night (March 7).
Customs officers conducted customs clearance on two passengers, arriving from Santiago De Compostela, Spain, via Istanbul, Turkey, at the airport last night. During the clearance, Customs officers found about 63 kg of suspected European eels in the passengers' four pieces of checked-in baggage.
Later, about 46 kg of suspected dried fins of Smooth Hammerhead Sharks were found inside an unclaimed bag.
The three cases were 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/Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Issued at HKT 12:52
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