A traveller was convicted at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts today (January 16) of smuggling ivory and sentenced to eight weeks' imprisonment and a fine of $90,000.
 
     A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said that about 24 kilograms of ivory were found by Customs Officers in the check-in luggage of a 30-year-old man arriving at Hong Kong International Airport from Jakarta, Indonesia, on January 14.
 
     Following investigation by the AFCD, the man was charged with the illegal import of an endangered species.
 
     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.
 
     To enquire about the importation of endangered species and to report illegal imports, the public can call the AFCD on 1823 or visit the website, www.cites.hk.

Ends/Monday, January 16, 2017
Issued at HKT 19:19

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