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Hong Kong Customs today (May 12) cracked down on a suspected case of smuggling by speedboat in Lau Fau Shan. A total of about 130 kilograms of pangolin scales, from an endangered species, and about 310kg of animal furs with a value of about $2 million were seized.
At around 2am early this morning, Customs officers mounted an anti-smuggling operation at Lau Fau Shan. Officers took enforcement action after spotting some persons loading a large amount of goods onto a speedboat at the seashore of Lau Fau Shan. Five cartons of pangolin scales and 15 bags of animal furs were seized by Customs officers for further investigation.
Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person found guilty of exporting an endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million and imprisonment for two years.
Hong Kong Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement action to combat sea smuggling activities. Members of the public can report suspected smuggling activities to Customs through the 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Thursday, May 12, 2016
Issued at HKT 19:37
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