China News Agency, Hong Kong, May 6 (Hong Kong Customs) announced on the 6th that the largest batch of smuggled and controlled dried shark fins has been seized, with a total market value of about 8.6 million yuan (HK $, the same below).
The Customs and Excise Department stated that two cases of smuggling of regulated dried shark fins were detected on April 28 and May 4 at the Kwai Chung Customs Building Inspection Site. 8.6 million yuan. In terms of a single case, the seized weight and market value of the two cases broke the previous record of similar single cases.
Customs stated that through risk assessment, customs officers selected and inspected two containers arriving from Ecuador, and seized about 13 metric tons of suspected regulated shark fins in the two containers. Both batches of shark fins were mixed with other unregulated Among dried shark fins. Following up the investigation, Customs officers arrested a 57-year-old man in Sai Ying Pun on April 29. He was released on bail pending investigation; two cases are still under investigation.
The customs reminded that according to the Regulations on the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants, anyone who illegally imports or exports endangered species is liable to a maximum fine of 10 million yuan and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction. (Finish)