​Hong Kong Customs yesterday (November 9) seized about 1.9 tonnes of suspected scheduled dried shark fins of endangered species with an estimated market value of about $1.45 million from a container at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound.

     Through risk assessment, Customs officers selected a container arriving in Hong Kong from Indonesia for inspection and found the batch of suspected scheduled shark fins mix-loaded with non-scheduled shark fins inside the container.

     The case was 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 $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

Ends/Tuesday, November 10, 2020
Issued at HKT 15:45

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