Customs seizes smuggled ivory tusks

Customs officers seized 794 pieces of African ivory tusks weighing 1,898 kilogrammes and worth about $13 million inside a container shipped to Hong Kong.

Officers of the Ports and Maritime Command discovered the smuggled goods while examining a container shipped to Hong Kong via Malaysia. The consignment was declared as non-ferrous products for factory use.  Upon examination, Customs officers found the batch of ivory tusks concealed by stones.  A 66-year-old man was arrested. Follow-up investigation is still going on.

Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing unmanifested cargoes is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

In addition, under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person found guilty of trading endangered species for commercial purposes is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million and imprisonment for two years.