Press Releases

Two travellers smuggling worked ivory were convicted at the Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Courts today (October 14) for violating the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance.

A spokesman of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said that about 42 kilogramme of worked ivory were found by the Customs officers inside the luggage of two 33-year-old men arriving from Harare, Zimbabwe via Dubai, United Arab Emirates in the evening of October 12.

Subsequent to follow-up investigations, the AFCD charged the two men with illegal import of ivory. One of the men was sentenced for imprisonment of six weeks and a fine of $50,000 while the other man was sentenced for imprisonment of seven weeks and a fine of $60,000.

Any person importing, exporting or re-exporting specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance would be liable to a maximum fine of $5 million and imprisonment for two years. The specimens will also be forfeited upon conviction.

To enquire about the importation of endangered species and to report illegal imports, the public can call 1823 or visit the website www.cites.hk.

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