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Customs officers at Kwai Chung Customhouse today afternoon (7 January) seized 3,887 kilograms of frozen pangolin carcass, 542 kilograms of pangolin scale and 1,224 kilograms of frozen chicken paw. The seized goods were worth about $946,120.
The consignment originated from Malaysia was shipped to Hong Kong in a 20-foot container on 5.1.2006. It was declared as frozen fish and was prepared for re-export to Taiwan.
After inspection at the cargo examination compound in Kwai Chung Customhouse, Customs officers found frozen pangolin carcass, pangolin scale and frozen chicken paw camouflaged by frozen fish, piled up inside the container.
So far, nobody has been arrested. Customs Officers thus detained the seizures for follow-up investigation.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of "importing unmanifested cargoes" is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Under the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance, any person found guilty of trading endangered species for commercial purpose is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million and imprisonment for two years.
Under the Imported Game, Meat and Poultry Regulations, any person found guilty of importing meat and poultry without an official certificate, is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months
Ends/Saturday, January 7, 2006
Issued at HKT 19:16
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