Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected agarwood (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs today (August 16) seized about 41.8 kilograms of suspected agarwood with an estimated market value of about $670,000 at Hong Kong International Airport.

     Customs officers intercepted a 31-year-old male passenger and a 51-year-old male passenger at the airport this afternoon. They arrived in Hong Kong from Jakarta, Indonesia. 

     During Customs clearance, the batch of suspected agarwood were found inside plastic bags in their check-in suitcase. The two men were then arrested.

     The 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 the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).