Hong Kong Customs detects smuggling case of suspected scheduled endangered species by air (with photo)
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Based on risk assessment, Customs on that day examined an inbound air cargo consignment from Saudi Arabia, declared as dried fish, at the Customs Cargo Examination Compound at HKIA. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected scheduled sea cucumbers in five carton boxes therein. A cargo recipient was arrested.
An investigation is ongoing. The likelihood of more arrests is not ruled out.
Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement actions against all kinds of smuggling activities through risk assessment and intelligence analysis.
Smuggling of scheduled endangered species is a serious offence. Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, anyone importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).
Ends/Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Issued at HKT 16:45
Issued at HKT 16:45
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