Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected endangered species’ dried shark skins worth about $1.7 million (with photos)

     Hong Kong Customs seized about 4 200 kilograms of dried shark skins suspected to be from endangered species, with an estimated market value of about $1.7 million, at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound yesterday (January 29).
      
     Through risk assessment, Customs on that day selected a container, arriving from Thailand and declared to be containing dried shark skins, for inspection. Upon examination, Customs officers found the batch of suspected endangered species' dried shark skins inside the container.
      
     After a follow-up investigation, Customs yesterday arrested a 67-year-old male director of the consignee company suspected to be connected with the case.
      
     An investigation is ongoing and the arrested man has been released on bail pending further 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) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).