Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected scheduled red sandalwood in seaborne and air consignments (with photos)
******************************************************************************************
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (March 16) seized a total of about 5 170 kilograms of suspected scheduled red sandalwood, with an estimated market value of about $7.15 million, at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound and Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).
Through risk assessment, Customs officers yesterday at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound inspected a seaborne consignment, declared to be carrying woven fabric, arriving in Hong Kong from Malaysia. About 4,670kg of suspected scheduled red sandalwood were found concealed inside a batch of woven fabric.
Also, Customs officers yesterday at HKIA inspected an air consignment, declared to be carrying furniture, arriving in Hong Kong from India. About 500kg of suspected scheduled red sandalwood were seized inside a wooden box.
Investigations of the above-mentioned two cases are ongoing.
Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting an endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).