Hong Kong customs officers seized about 162kg of suspected dried shark fins from protected species worth HK$280,000 (US$35,720) at the airport, declared as dried fish maw from Panama. The Customs and Excise Department said on Friday that the air consignment was inspected the day before. The case has been handed to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for further investigation.
Hong Kong's Customs and Excise Department announced on Friday the seizure of about 162kg (357lbs) of suspected dried shark fins from protected species at the airport. The goods, valued at approximately HK$280,000 (US$35,720), arrived by air from Panama declared as dried fish maw.
Officers inspected the consignment on Thursday. Upon inspection, they found six boxes containing the suspected scheduled dried shark fins.
The case has been handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for further investigation.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, anyone found guilty of importing or exporting an endangered species without a licence faces a maximum fine of HK$10 million and imprisonment for 10 years.
In a separate case revealed on Friday, customs seized suspected smuggled goods with a total estimated market value of about HK$700,000 on Wednesday.