Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected red sandalwood (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (February 8) seized about 14 300 kilograms of suspected red sandalwood from a container at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound. The estimated market value of the seizure was about $8.5 million.

     Through risk assessment, Customs officers inspected a container arriving in Hong Kong from Taiwan. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the suspected red sandalwood in the container.

     The case was 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).