Hong Kong Customs detects smuggling case involving about 1.2 tonnes of suspected scheduled dried shark fins by river trade vessel (with photos)

     Hong Kong Customs on February 27 mounted an anti-smuggling operation in the north-western waters of Hong Kong and detected a suspected case of using a river trade vessel to smuggle goods in the waters off Black Point. About 1.2 tonnes of suspected scheduled dried shark fins with an estimated market value of about $6.4 million were seized.

     During an anti-smuggling operation conducted in the above-mentioned waters on that day, Customs officers intercepted a river trade vessel heading towards Macao. After inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected scheduled dried shark fins deep within one of the containers on board the vessel.

     An investigation is ongoing.

     Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting an 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).