HONG KONG: Customs officials seized 15 kilograms of suspected ivory tusks and ivory products worth HK$150,000 at Hong Kong airport.
The seizure was made on a 27-year-old man after he arrived in the city from Lagos, Nigeria via Dubai, UAE on Monday afternoon.
Suspicions were raised as he passed through clearance based on his unnatural gait, customs said.
The haul was found concealed under loose clothing in a tailor-made vest and pants he was wearing.
The man, claiming to be a businessman, was charged with one count of importing endangered species.
He was convicted at Tsuen Wan courts on Tuesday and fined HK$62,000.
Under the city’s Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, convicted offenders are liable to a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and imprisonment for one year.
The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.
