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Hong Kong Customs yesterday (November 14) smashed a smuggling case and seized 33 rhino horns, 758 ivory chopsticks and 127 ivory bracelets with a total value of about $17.4 million hidden inside a container shipped to Hong Kong.
Yesterday afternoon, acting on risk assessment, Customs officers selected a container declared to contain 63 packages of "scrap plastic" from a vessel arriving from Cape Town, South Africa, for inspection. Under X-ray examination, officers found 33 rhino horns (weighing 86.54 kg), 758 ivory chopsticks (13.22 kg) and 127 ivory bracelets (9.2 kg) concealed inside a package of plastic scrap placed at the rear end of the container. The investigation is continuing and so far no arrests have been made.
Hong Kong Customs will continue to maintain close contact with overseas law enforcement agencies to exchange intelligence in combating transnational smuggling crimes.
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 importing endangered species for commercial purposes is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million and imprisonment for two years.
Ends/Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:38
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