Man jailed for conspiring to smuggle and illegally possessing pangolin scales
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In December 2018, officers from Hong Kong Customs inspected a batch of air consignment arriving from Malaysia at Hong Kong International Airport and found about 240 kilograms of pangolin scales therein. After a follow-up investigation, about 200kg of pangolin scales were further seized in January 2019. The man connected with the case was subsequently arrested.
Customs welcomes the ruling. The sentence of imprisonment has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the infringing offence related with endangered species.
Under the Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing, exporting, or possessing any endangered species without a required 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) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).
Ends/Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Issued at HKT 16:55
Issued at HKT 16:55
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