Hong Kong customs seizes 7,100 kg suspected pangolin scales

HONG KONG - The customs of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) seized Friday about 7,100 kg of suspected pangolin scales in a container from Nigeria.

The seized pangolin scales, with an estimated market value of about HK$3.55 million (about $450,000), were found when customs officers inspected a 40-foot container declared to contain plastic materials at the Tsing Yi Cargo Examination Compound.

Investigation is ongoing into the case, the HKSAR government's Customs and Excise Department said in a press release.

Under the HKSAR Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of HK$2 million (about $250,000) 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 HK$10 million (about $1.27 million) and imprisonment for 10 years.