Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected scheduled dried shark fin
Press Release
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
15. October 2019
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Hong Kong Customs yesterday (October 14) seized about 27 kilograms of suspected scheduled dried shark fin with an estimated market value of about $27,000 at Hong Kong International Airport.
Customs officers intercepted a 40-year-old male passenger arriving in Hong Kong from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia at the airport yesterday evening. The batch of suspected scheduled dried shark fin were found inside his check-in baggage.
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 (the 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 an imprisonment for ten years.
Customs reminds members of the public that the Ordinance has been amended since last year and the penalties under the Ordinance has also been drastically increased. Customs will continue stepping up inspection against passengers arriving in Hong Kong at all boundary control points to combat activities of endangered species smuggling. Members of the public are urged not to break the law.
Source and Photo credit: HKSAR
Previous Press Releases on shark fins seized by Hong Kong Customs:
- 24. Aug 2019 180 kg of Shark Fins Seized in Hong Kong
- 29 Dec 2017: Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected scheduled dried shark fins
- 18 Sep 2017: Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected scheduled dried shark fins
- 06 Mar 2017: Shipments of dried shark fins seized in Hong Kong
- 14 Dec 2015: Suspected Hammerhead Shark Fins Seized By Hong Kong Customs
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