Hong Kong customs seize nearly 10 tonnes of protected timber in shipping container bound for mainland China
- The bust, valued at some HK$6 million, was the largest of its kind so far this year, customs says
- Red sandalwood, known as ‘red gold’ for its high value, is commonly used to make luxury furniture and carvings
Nearly 10 tonnes of rare, protected wood with an estimated value of HK$6 million (US$774,000) was found hidden in a shipping container on its way from the Middle East to mainland China via Hong Kong, according to the Customs and Excise Department.
The haul of 9.7 tonnes of suspected red sandalwood, which had been declared to be normal timber, was the biggest seizure of its kind this year, Hong Kong customs said on Friday. It was also the third major seizure of the wood in the past six months.
“Through risk assessment, customs officers selected and inspected a transshipment container arriving from the United Arab Emirates and destined for the mainland of China via Hong Kong,” the department said.
When the container was opened for inspection at the Kwai Chung cargo examination compound on Thursday, officers found the batch of suspected red sandalwood inside.
The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation. No arrests have been made so far.