HONG KONG: Hong Kong Customs seized about 1 kg of suspected dried seahorses, an endangered species at Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point on Friday, it said. Customs officers intercepted an outgoing passenger at the control point Friday afternoon and found about 1 kg of suspected dried seahorses in the baggage carried by the passenger. The 53-year-old woman was arrested.
The case was handed over to Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation. Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting an endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of 5 million HK dollars (about 643,000 U.S. dollars) and imprisonment of two years.
