Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected smuggled dried seafood and endangered species (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (February 24) seized a batch of suspected smuggled dried seafood, including about 12 kilograms of dried abalone, 12.4kg of dried sea cucumber, 12.2kg of dried fish maw and 537 grams of bird nest, as well as a batch of suspected endangered species including 1.5kg of suspected ginseng and 315g of suspected manta ray gills at Lok Ma Chau Control Point, with a total estimated market value of about $240,000.

     Customs officers intercepted an outgoing private car at Lok Ma Chau Control Point yesterday afternoon and seized the batch of suspected smuggled dried seafood and endangered species inside the vehicle compartment. The 53-year-old male driver was arrested.

     Investigation is ongoing.

     Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

     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).