Hong Kong Customs on Oct. 10 seized about 460 kg of suspected scheduled dried shark fins, 200kg of suspected scheduled dried sea cucumbers, and 3,300 boxes of proprietary Chinese medicine with ingredients of suspected scheduled Gastrodia Elata, with a total estimated market value of about HK$2.3 million, at Hong Kong International Airport.
Through risk assessment, Customs officers inspected an air consignment, declared as carrying household goods and arriving in Hong Kong from Indonesia on Oct. 10. Upon inspection, the batch of dried shark fins, sea cucumbers, and proprietary Chinese medicine suspected to be scheduled under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Ordinance), was found inside 33 carton boxes.
Under the Ordinance, any person importing, exporting, or possessing specimens of endangered species not under the Ordinance commits an offense and will be liable to a maximum fine of HK$10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.
For licensing requirements for the species listed on different appendices, members of the public may visit the website. For inquiries, please contact the AFCD through email or call 1823.
Public members may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account or online form.
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