Hong Kong Customs yesterday (December 1) seized about 30 kilograms of suspected European eels with an estimated market value of about $300,000 at Hong Kong International Airport.
Two male passengers, aged 24 and 60, arrived in Hong Kong from Lisbon, Portugal, via Moscow, Russia yesterday afternoon.
During Customs clearance, suspected European eels were found in their four check-in suitcases.
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 ten 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).
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