Customs seize over 300 kilos of dried fish maw and shark fin at airport

Hong Kong Customs was able to get ahold of illegal shipments of restricted dried fish maw and shark fin valued at HK$300,000, arresting two men in Sheung Shui and Sheung Wan.

In two express shipments that arrived from Bangladesh Thursday (Mar 9), Customs officers’ inspection found the dried fish maw and dried shark fin of endangered species.

One of the shipments used the dried fish maws of an unrestricted species to cover up the fact there were suspected scheduled dried shark fins weighing 52 kilograms and valued at HK$30,000 underneath them.

Following the discovery, Customs officers played undercover as logistic workers and deliver the shipment to the receiving address in Sheung Wan, arresting a 33-year-old seafood shop owner as he was signing to receive the goods.

Senior Investigator Wong Chi-keung said the method to hide the restricted products along with other products is common, but in this case, the criminals did it in a more meticulous manner as they used unrestricted species to cover up the illegal goods.

He added that Customs will not rule out the possibility of further law enforcement actions.

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 and imprisonment for 10 years.