HONG KONG: Three travellers arriving from South Africa were arrested on Monday at Hong Kong International Airport for allegedly attempting to smuggle HK$2million worth of rhinoceros horn.
Customs officials intercepted the trio, who had flown out of Johannesburg, during separate inspections. It is believed they attempted to evade detection by cutting 10kg of suspected rhino horn from three larger pieces into smaller cuts hidden inside their check-in baggage.
The two men and one woman, aged 30 to 56, were detained at the customs declaration zone prior to leaving the airport’s restricted zone.
Last July, 10 rhino horns cut into slabs were found in three air parcels marked as wood samples. Each parcel was carried from Mozambique via Johannesburg to Hong Kong. The seizure had an estimated value of HK$1.34 million.
The latest cases were handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, convicted offenders are liable to a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and one year in prison.
