Hong Kong Customs today (November 12) seized about 2.6 kilograms of suspected rhino horns with an estimated market value of about $520,000 at the Hong Kong International Airport.

     Customs officers intercepted a 31-year-old male passenger who arrived in Hong Kong from Beira of Mozambique via Johannesburg of South Africa this afternoon. During Customs clearance, about 1.8 kg of suspected rhino horns wrapped with plastic tape were found in his backpack. 

     On the same day, Customs officers intercepted another 35-year-old male passenger who arrived in Hong Kong from Xiamen. About 0.8 kilograms of suspected rhino horns wrapped with plastic tape were found from his waist and the socks he was wearing during Customs clearance.

     The 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 or exporting an endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million and imprisonment for two years.

Ends/Sunday, November 12, 2017
Issued at HKT 21:20

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