Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected scheduled dried shark fins (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (March 31) seized about 392 kilograms of suspected scheduled dried shark fins of endangered species with an estimated market value of about $110,000 from a container at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound.

     Through risk assessment, Customs officers selected a container arriving in Hong Kong from Morocco for inspection and found the batch of suspected scheduled shark fins mix-loaded with non-scheduled shark fins inside 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 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).