HK in record ivory and horn seizure
Source: Agencies |
November 16, 2011, Wednesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
HONG Kong customs agents have confiscated a shipment of rhino horns and ivory worth about HK$17.4 million (US$2.2 million) - their biggest seizure of smuggled endangered species products, officials said yesterday.
Officials said they seized 33 rhino horns, 758 ivory chopsticks and 127 ivory bracelets concealed in a shipping container that arrived on Monday at Hong Kong's port from Cape Town, South Africa.
Customs agents had X-rayed the container because its listed cargo - scrap plastic - raised a flag, said Acting Head of Ports and Maritime Command Lam Tak-fai. They found the contraband after peeling away layers of tinfoil, paper and plastic.
Wai-king Yik, a spokeswoman for customs and excise, said it was a record seizure of endangered species products for Hong Kong.
Rhino horn is prized by Vietnamese and Chinese who believe it can cure ailments, and can fetch US$100,000 per kilogram.
No one has been arrested.
Officials said they seized 33 rhino horns, 758 ivory chopsticks and 127 ivory bracelets concealed in a shipping container that arrived on Monday at Hong Kong's port from Cape Town, South Africa.
Customs agents had X-rayed the container because its listed cargo - scrap plastic - raised a flag, said Acting Head of Ports and Maritime Command Lam Tak-fai. They found the contraband after peeling away layers of tinfoil, paper and plastic.
Wai-king Yik, a spokeswoman for customs and excise, said it was a record seizure of endangered species products for Hong Kong.
Rhino horn is prized by Vietnamese and Chinese who believe it can cure ailments, and can fetch US$100,000 per kilogram.
No one has been arrested.
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