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Customs officers yesterday (August 29) seized 794 pieces of African ivory tusks, weighing 1,898 kilogrammes, inside a container shipped to Hong Kong. The tusks were worth about $13 million.
Based on intelligence analysis, officers of the Ports and Maritime Command examined a container shipped to Hong Kong via Malaysia. The consignment was declared as non-ferrous products for factory use. Upon examination, Customs officers found the batch of ivory tusks concealed by stones. A 66-year-old man was arrested. Follow-up investigation is still going on.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing unmanifested cargoes is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
In addition, under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person found guilty of trading endangered species for commercial purposes is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million and imprisonment for two years.
Ends/Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Issued at HKT 17:42
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