HONG KONG: Nearly 110kg of suspected endangered species items and rare agarwood were found hidden in four suitcases after Hong Kong customs officers intercepted a Shenzhen-bound car for inspection at an immigration control point on Thursday.
The consignment consisted of 98.65kg of suspected ivory, 6.82kg of suspected hornbill beak and 1.75kg of suspected agarwood, according to the Customs and Excise Department.
The department said the haul could be sold for more than HK$1 million on the black market.
Pretty crafty: rhino horns worth HK$2 million and seized by Hong Kong customs looked like artwork
A 50-year-old man was arrested in connection with the case. Investigations are ongoing.
The suspect might face prosecution for importing an endangered species without a licence and exporting unmanifested cargo, according to the department.
The haul was discovered when customs officers intercepted an outgoing seven-seater car at the Shenzhen Bay Immigration Control Point on Thursday afternoon.
“The cording to the department, exporting unmanifested cargo carries a maximum penalty of a HK$2 maximum penalty for exporting an endangered species without a licence is a HK$5 million fine and a two year’s suspected endangered species items were seized from a male passenger’s baggage,” the department said.
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It said the passenger was arrested on suspicion of breaching the Import and Export Ordinance and the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance.
