*********************************************************
Hong Kong Customs seized about 15 kilograms of suspected ivory tusks and ivory products worth about $150,000 and arrested an incoming male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (July 27).
Customs officers intercepted a suspicious male passenger at the airport in the afternoon yesterday. The passenger flew from Lagos, Nigeria, via Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to Hong Kong. During Customs clearance, Customs officers found his gait unnatural. Upon further checking, about 15kg of suspected ivory tusks and ivory products were found concealed under loose clothing in a tailor-made vest and pants he was wearing. The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.
The 27-year-old man, claiming to be a businessman, was charged with one count of importing of endangered species. He was convicted at Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Courts today (July 28) and fined $62,000.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, convicted offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year.
Ends/Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:00
NNNN
