Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected scheduled red sandalwood (with photos)
*************************************************************************
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (July 27) seized about 2 370 kilograms of suspected scheduled red sandalwood from a container at Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound. The estimated market value of the seizure was about $1.47 million. A man was arrested.
Through risk assessment, Customs yesterday inspected a container arriving in Hong Kong from Korea. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the suspected scheduled red sandalwood concealed in 77 pieces of wooden furniture inside the container.
After follow-up investigation, Customs officers arrested a 32-year-old man suspected to be connected with the case in Kwai Chung on the same day.
Investigation is ongoing and the arrested man has been released on bail pending investigation.
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).
