Hong Kong Customs today (November 29) detected the largest smuggling case of saiga antelope horn in the past five years at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 50 kilograms of suspected saiga antelope horn with an estimated market value of about $50,000.

     Customs officers intercepted a 49-year-old male passenger arriving in Hong Kong from Moscow, Russia, at the airport this morning. During customs clearance, the batch of suspected saiga antelope horn was found inside his two items of check-in luggage.

     The case has been handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up action.

     Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting an endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

Ends/Friday, November 29, 2019
Issued at HKT 18:15

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