2019/01/17
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Public reminded not to bring back endangered species
Friday, April 14, 2000

Members of the public are reminded not to bring back items of endangered species on their return from visits to other countries during the forthcoming Easter holidays.

The appeal was made by a spokesman of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) after the conviction of two crewmen at the Eastern Magistracy today (April 14).

The two 50-year old Chinese crewmen were arrested by Customs and Excise officers on board a vessel arriving from Indonesia during a regular boat search yesterday (April 13).

They were found to have with them a total of 11 head of sea turtle specimens and 410 grams of pangolin scales.

The two men were both sentenced to one-month imprisonment, suspended for one year, and fined $1,000 each for illegal import of endangered species items.

Under the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance, importing and exporting of sea turtles and other highly endangered species are prohibited.

The import and export of endangered species, their parts and derivatives, such as pangolin scales, crocodile meat and bird-wing butterflies, are subject to licensing control.

Any person contravenes such restrictions is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million and two year's imprisonment upon conviction if an endangered species is brought in for commercial purpose.

"The control measures apply to both traders and individuals including travellers," the spokesman noted.

He said returning travellers were at times found by Customs officers at control points to have brought in endangered species.

Statistics indicate that items seized from travellers at checkpoints include crocodile meat, crocodile skin-handbags, giant clam shells, coral skeletons, parrots, bear bile powder as well as American ginseng roots.

The spokesman reminded all travellers to ensure that they had the required licence before bringing in any endangered species items after the Easter holidays.

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