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Hong Kong Customs and AFCD join hands to combat endangered species smuggling activities (with photos)

     Hong Kong Customs and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) mounted a 10-week joint anti-endangered species smuggling operation codenamed “Defender” at the airport, seaport, land boundary and railway control points from June to August.

     The operation started on June 18 and concluded on August 25. During the period, 118 cases were detected, resulting in the seizure of various suspected endangered species with an estimated market value of about $19 million and the arrest of 82 persons, including five arrests made during the follow-up investigation.

     In particular, Customs seized a total of 63 tonnes of suspected endangered tree logs found in three inbound containers. Seven tonnes of pangolin scales and six tonnes of American ginseng were seized from another two inbound containers. Apart from these, 10 live turtles hidden among socks declared as “shoes and toys” and five live lizards in cereals declared as “toys and chocolate” were also found in two arriving express parcels.

     Other items of suspected endangered species seized include 85 live frogs, 317 kilograms of dried seahorses, 1 500 grams of scheduled coral and 25 kilograms of worked ivory.

     “The joint operation was a great success. It is also a vivid demonstration of how the two departments’ close co-operation effectively targets the activities of endangered species smuggling,” the Head of Ports and Maritime Command of Customs, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, said in rounding up the operation today (September 5).

     “Facing the endless smuggling tactics, Hong Kong Customs will stay vigilant and strengthen its efforts in intelligence collection and analysis for even more effective enforcement. Similar joint operations will be undertaken,” he said.

     “Advanced equipment will be introduced to step up screening and inspection, while intelligence exchanges and regular joint operations with local, Mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies will also be maintained for anti-smuggling purposes.”

     The Endangered Species Protection Officer (Enforcement) of AFCD, Mr Timothy Lam, added that the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants (Amendment) Ordinance 2018 has been effective since May 1 this year and penalties have been drastically increased. Any person importing, exporting or possessing endangered species not in accordance with the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years, while the seizures will be forfeited upon conviction. Members of the public are urged not to break the law.

     Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

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East Asia

CHP reminds public on precautions against heat stroke during very hot weather

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (September 5) reminded members of the public, particularly those undertaking outdoor activities, to take heed of necessary measures against heat stroke and sunburn in very hot weather.

     “The public should carry and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration while engaging in outdoor activities,” a spokesman for the CHP said.

     “Those engaged in strenuous outdoor activities should avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcohol, as they speed up water loss through the urinary system,” the spokesman explained.

     “The obese, the sick, including those with heart disease or high blood pressure, the old and the young are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. They should pay special attention,” the spokesman added.

     The public should adopt the following precautions:
 

  • Wear loose and light-coloured clothing to reduce heat absorption and facilitate sweat evaporation and heat dissipation;
  • Avoid vigorous exercise and prolonged activities like hiking or trekking as heat, sweating and exhaustion place additional demands on the physique;
  • Perform outdoor activities in the morning or late afternoon;
  • For indoor activities, open all windows, use a fan or use air-conditioning to maintain good ventilation; and
  • Reschedule work to cooler times of the day.

     If working in a hot environment is inevitable, introduce shade in the workplace where practicable, and start work slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Get into a cool area for rest at regular intervals to allow the body to recuperate.

     The public should also note the latest and the forecast Ultraviolet (UV) Index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV Index remains high (6 or above):
 
  • Minimise direct exposure of the skin and the eyes to sunlight;
  • Wear loose long-sleeved clothing made of close-woven fabrics;
  • Wear a wide brim hat or use an umbrella;
  • Seek a shaded area or put on UV-blocking sunglasses;
  • Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or above. Apply liberally and reapply after swimming or sweating; and
  • While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent.

     If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.

     The public may get more information from the DH’s Health Education Hotline (2833 0111), heat stroke page and UV radiation page; the HKO’s Dial-a-Weather (1878 200), latest weather and forecast, UV Index and weather information for hiking and mountaineering; and press releases of the Labour Department on precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force. read more

East Asia