Mainland woman charged over 31kg suspected shark fins
On.cc · 6 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong Customs said it seized about 31 kilograms of dried shark fins suspected to be from controlled endangered species at Hong Kong International Airport on November 7. The fins, found in checked baggage, were estimated to be worth about HK$130,000, and a 51-year-old mainland Chinese woman was arrested and later charged by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department with illegal import of an Appendix II endangered species.
Key Points
- The passenger arrived in Hong Kong on November 7 from Brazil via Ethiopia, and customs officers stopped her in the airport arrivals hall for clearance inspection.
- Officers found about 31 kilograms of suspected controlled dried shark fins inside her checked baggage, with an estimated market value of about HK$130,000.
- After examination by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the fins were suspected to be species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.
- Customs arrested the 51-year-old mainland Chinese woman, and the case was transferred to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.
- The woman has been charged with one count of illegally importing an Appendix II endangered species under Hong Kong's Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance.
Why It Matters
The case points to continued enforcement at Hong Kong's airport against cross-border movement of wildlife products carried in personal baggage, with customs and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department both involved in detection and prosecution. Under the ordinance, illegal import, export or possession of endangered species can lead to a maximum fine of HK$10 million, 10 years' imprisonment and confiscation of the goods.