Hong Kong Customs seized about 8 kilograms of suspected worked ivory, worth about $80,000, and arrested an incoming male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport today (July 27).
      
     Customs officers intercepted a 36-year-old male passenger at the airport today. The passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Lagos, Nigeria, via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. During Customs clearance, Customs officers found about 8kg of suspected worked ivory inside his one piece of luggage. The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.
      
     Hong Kong Customs reminded the public not to import or export endangered species of animals and plants. Offenders convicted of contravening the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance are liable to a maximum fine of $5 million, imprisonment for two years and mandatory forfeiture of the specimens.

Ends/Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Issued at HKT 20:00

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