​Hong Kong Customs today (January 21) seized about 3 378 kilograms of suspected scheduled red sandalwood, with an estimated market value of about $17 million, at Hong Kong International Airport.
Through risk assessment, Customs officers today inspected an air consignment, declared to be carrying furniture raw materials, arriving in Hong Kong from Dubai. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected scheduled red sandalwood inside two large wooden boxes.
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).
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