Hong Kong Customs today (June 6) seized about 5.9 kilograms of suspected rhino horn and 410 grams of suspected worked ivory with an estimated market value of about $1.2 million at Hong Kong International Airport.
Customs officers intercepted a 40-year-old male passenger at the airport this morning. He arrived in Hong Kong from Johannesburg, South Africa.
During Customs clearance, the batch of suspected rhino horn and suspected worked ivory were found concealed inside three food packing boxes in his check-in suitcase. The man was then arrested.
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 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).
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