HK$1.2 million of suspected rhino horn and ivory seized from South African traveller at Hong Kong International Airport
Man arriving from Johannesburg arrested after contents found in his check-in suitcase
PUBLISHED : Wednesday, 06 June, 2018, 12:12pm
UPDATED : Monday, 18 June, 2018, 2:28pm
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A traveller from South Africa was arrested at Hong Kong International Airport on Wednesday with 5.9kg of suspected rhino horn and 410 grams of suspected ivory that together had an estimated street value of HK$1.2 million (US$153,000).
The 40-year-old man was intercepted when he arrived in the city from Johannesburg on Wednesday morning.
“During customs clearance, the batch of suspected rhino horn and suspected worked ivory were found concealed inside three food-packing boxes in his check-in suitcase,” the Customs and Excise Department said. “The man was then arrested.”
Saving rhinos: South Africa’s fight against Chinese demand for horns
Customs officers handed over the case to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for further investigation.
Importing or exporting an endangered species without a licence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail and a HK$10 million fine.
Customs officials urged the public to report any suspected smuggling activities to its 24-hour hotline on 2545 6182.
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