Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected smuggled endangered pangolin scales and dried snake galls (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs seized a batch of suspected smuggled endangered species items at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound on September 16, including about 1 tonne of pangolin scales and about 13 kilograms of dried snake galls, with an estimated market value of about $6.2 million.

     Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, Customs officers selected and inspected a container arriving from Indonesia. The batch of suspected smuggled endangered species items was found inside the container.

     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).