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The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), with the assistance of Quarantine Detector Dogs, seized smuggled worked ivory in the past few days.
An AFCD spokesman said today (February 18) that the department together with the Quarantine Detector Dogs seized a total of about 60 kilograms of smuggled worked ivory inside 12 parcels from Nigeria at the Air Mail Centre, Chek Lap Kok, Lantau Island, on February 10 and 16.
The worked ivory was seized and investigation is ongoing.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586), any person importing, exporting, re-exporting or possessing any endangered species for commercial purposes including ivory without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million, imprisonment for two years and mandatory forfeiture of the specimens. The public are reminded to comply with the legislation and not to buy, import or export specimens or products of endangered species from dubious sources.
To enquire about the control of endangered species and to report suspected irregularities, the public can call 1823.
The AFCD's Quarantine Detector Dog Team was established in 2008 to strengthen the efforts in combating illegal importation of animals and animal products as well as enhance public health and safety. Trained detector dogs are deployed at the control points to detect smuggled animals and animal products.
Ends/Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:42
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