2 Hong Kong men arrested for allegedly smuggling HK$300,000 worth of endangered species products
- Duo arrested on Friday and Saturday after customs intercepts about 270kg of dried fish maws, 50kg of dried shark fin
- But officials say incident not considered part of any growing smuggling trend
Two Hongkongers were arrested last week on suspicion of smuggling endangered species products worth HK$300,000 (US$38,230) through the city’s airport, customs revealed on Monday.
The shipment of around 270kg (595lbs) of dried fish maws and about 50kg of dried shark fin were intercepted by customs officers last Thursday.
Following a joint investigation with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), customs arrested the two men, aged 31 and 33, in Sheung Shui and Sheung Wan on Friday and Saturday, respectively.
Customs on Monday said the shipment arrived in the city from Bangladesh, with the items mixed in with other uncontrolled dried seafood products.
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While the goods were intercepted in Hong Kong, it was believed they were destined for elsewhere, it said, adding officers did not consider the latest haul to be part of any growing smuggling trend.
“We do not observe a rising trend so far. But, we will continue to join hands with the AFCD to combat any illegal imports and exports of these products,” said Wong Chi-keung, a senior investigator with the department’s syndicate crimes investigation bureau.
He added the investigation was ongoing and further arrests were possible.
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The latest haul came a month after customs intercepted a shipment of suspected illicit dried shark fin from endangered species worth an estimated HK$40 million, which had arrived in the city from Mexico.
Last December, the department also seized items made using endangered species such as dried seahorse and a manta ray gill, which were among 22 tonnes of contraband dried seafood seized uncovered in a larger HK$200 million smuggling bust. Five people were arrested in connection with the case.
Anyone convicted of importing or exporting endangered species in Hong Kong without a licence can face up to 10 years in jail and a maximum fine of HK$10 million.
