HONG KONG: Hong Kong Customs detected 7,015 pieces of suspected endangered species wood logs, Malagasy Rosewood, upon inspection on incoming cargo from Tanzania here the other day. The total value of the seizure was about $40 million.
Customs officers conducted vessel search and cargo examination on a vessel arriving from Tanzania and found the wood logs of suspected endangered species.
The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) for follow-up investigation.
Hong Kong Customs will continue to closely cooperate with the AFCD to combat cross-boundary smuggling of endangered species.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing an endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million and imprisonment for two years.
