Customs seize 18kg of ivory products at airport (Hong Kong)

Author(s)

EJ Insight

Date Published

See link for photo of ivory

Hong Kong authorities have arrested an airline passenger on Sunday after finding 18 kilograms of ivory products in his luggage.

The 25-year-old man was detained after he flew into the city from Harare, Zimbabwe via Dubai.

Customs officials intercepted the man amid suspicion that he was carrying prohibited items. A search of his belongings led to the dramatic ivory seizure.

According to a government statement, the ivory had been concealed in a pair of underpants and a tailor-made vest. The confiscated items were said to be worth HK$180,000.

The items were handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for further investigation.

Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing products related to an endangered species is liable to a fine of up to HK$5 million and a jail term of up to two years.