Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected scheduled red sandalwood (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs seized a total of about 4 120 kilograms of suspected scheduled red sandalwood, with an estimated market value of about $20.7 million, at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (January 6) and today (January 7).

     Through risk assessment, Customs officers yesterday inspected an air consignment, declared to be carrying furniture parts, arriving in Hong Kong from Dubai. Upon inspection, Customs officers found about 1 090kg of suspected scheduled red sandalwood, with an estimated market value of about $5.45 million, inside one large wooden box.

     Also, through risk assessment, Customs officers today inspected an air consignment, declared to be carrying decoration raw materials, arriving in Hong Kong from Toronto. Upon inspection, Customs officers found about 3 030kg of suspected scheduled red sandalwood, with an estimated market value of about $15.25 million, inside two large wooden boxes.

     The two cases were 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).