HONG KONG: Hong Kong Customs today (May 12) cracked down on a suspected case of smuggling by speedboat in Lau Fau Shan. A total of about 130 kilograms of pangolin scales, from an endangered species, and about 310kg of animal furs with a value of about $2 million were seized.
At around 2am early this morning, Customs officers mounted an anti-smuggling operation at Lau Fau Shan. Officers took enforcement action after spotting some persons loading a large amount of goods onto a speedboat at the seashore of Lau Fau Shan.
Five cartons of pangolin scales and 15 bags of animal furs were seized by Customs officers for further investigation.
Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of 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 exporting an endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million and imprisonment for two years.
