Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected red sandalwood (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (June 5) seized about 5 700 kilograms of suspected red sandalwood from a container with an estimated market value of about $6.9 million at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound.

     Through risk assessment, Customs officers inspected a 40-foot container declared to contain gypsum drywall boards arriving in Hong Kong from Malaysia. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the suspected smuggled red sandalwood concealed inside hollowed-out boards in the container.

     This is the first time Customs officers have detected suspected smuggling of wood logs concealed inside hollowed-out gypsum boards.

     Investigation is ongoing.

     Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

     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).