Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected rhino horns (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs today (October 19) seized about 16 kilograms of suspected rhino horns with an estimated market value of about $3.2 million at Hong Kong International Airport.

     Customs officers intercepted a 33-year-old female passenger at the airport this morning. She arrived in Hong Kong from Johannesburg, South Africa and was planning to transit to Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam. The batch of suspected rhino horns were found in her check-in baggage. The woman 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 an 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).