Hong Kong Customs seized about 1 930 kilograms of suspected scheduled red sandalwood, with an estimated market value of about $9.63 million, at Hong Kong International Airport from November 8 to yesterday (November 16).
Through risk assessment, Customs officers on November 8 and 10 inspected two air consignments, declared to be carrying ceramic flower pots, arriving in Hong Kong from India. Upon inspection, Customs officers found two batches of suspected scheduled red sandalwood inside 10 carton boxes.
Also, Customs officers yesterday inspected an air consignment, declared to be carrying guitar parts, arriving in Hong Kong from Dubai. Upon inspection, Customs officers found another batch of suspected scheduled red sandalwood inside two large wooden boxes.
The three 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 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).
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