Hong Kong Customs on April 16 mounted an anti-smuggling operation in the western waters of Hong Kong and detected a suspected smuggling case involving a river trade vessel in the waters off Fan Lau. About 360 kilograms of suspected scheduled dried shark fins of endangered species with an estimated market value of about $1.8 million were seized.
During an anti-smuggling operation conducted in the above-mentioned waters on that day, Customs intercepted a river trade vessel heading towards Macao. After inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected scheduled dried shark fins of endangered species on board the vessel.
An investigation is ongoing and the likelihood of arrests is not ruled out.
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) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).
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