Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected red sandalwood (with photo)
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Through risk assessment, Customs officers inspected a 40-foot container declared to contain gypsum drywall boards arriving in Hong Kong from Malaysia. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the suspected smuggled red sandalwood concealed inside hollowed-out boards in the container.
This is the first time Customs officers have detected suspected smuggling of wood logs concealed inside hollowed-out gypsum boards.
Investigation is ongoing.
Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting an endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Issued at HKT 16:00
Issued at HKT 16:00
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