Hong Kong customs seizes HK$6.4 million in dried shark fins from shipping container possibly intended for mainland China

Inspector Chan King-fung of customs’ ports and maritime command said the vessel was then escorted to the River Trade Terminal in Tuen Mun for inspection.

“The suspected scheduled shark fins were found mixed with declared goods such as electronic products, dried seafood and household items in one of the containers aboard the vessel,” he said.

He said the boxes of shark fins, which were placed on top of three pallets, were positioned at the far end of the container in an attempt to avoid detection.

Chan said officers confiscated the shark fins as the crew members were unable to provide an associated export permit.

Woo said samples of the seized shark fins were tested by staff from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, confirming that they were from endangered species.

She said the investigation into the origin of the shark fins and the final destination of the haul was still under way. So far, no arrests have been made.

Hong Kong customs nets HK$4 million haul including aquarium animals

“We don’t rule out the possibility that the haul would have been smuggled into the mainland after reaching Macau,” she said.

In Hong Kong, import, export or possession of endangered species without a licence is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a HK$10 million fine.

Woo said that customs would continue to employ a risk assessment approach, gather intelligence, and spare no efforts to combat smuggling activities.