HK customs seizes endangered fish worth $52,000 at Lok Ma Chau

Customs officers at Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point intercepted a 52-year-old woman on Friday, discovering four live endangered arowanas and river stingrays valued at about HK$52,000 hidden in plastic bags inside her rucksack.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department confirmed the fish are protected under the international CITES convention and local ordinance, handing the case over for investigation.

Authorities remind the public that importing or possessing such species without a license carries a maximum penalty of a HK$10 million fine and 10 years imprisonment.