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Hong Kong Customs seized about 91 kilogrammes (kg) of suspected European eels, an endangered species, and arrested two incoming passengers, a male and a female, at Hong Kong International Airport today (March 4).
Customs officers conducted Customs clearance on two passengers at the airport this afternoon. Both passengers arrived in Hong Kong from Vigo, Spain via Madrid, Spain and Amsterdam, the Netherlands. During the clearance, Customs officers found about 91kg of suspected European eels in the passengers' six pieces of checked-in baggage.
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 an endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million and imprisonment for two years.
Ends/Friday, March 4, 2016
Issued at HKT 20:52
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