Hong Kong seizes record haul of pangolin scales from Nigeria
A customs officer stands in front of sacks of seized endangered pangolin scales during a press conference at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound in Hong Kong, February 1, 2019. PHOTO | ANTHONY WALLACE | AFP
Customs officers said they conducted a joint investigation with mainland officials on January 16, seizing 8,300 kilos of pangolin scales and 2,100 kilos of ivory tusks.
A man and a woman from a trading company in the city have since been arrested.
Hong Kong recently increased the maximum penalties on smuggling to 10 years in jail and a HK$10 million fine.
A record eight tonnes of pangolin scales found in a container from Nigeria was unveiled by Hong Kong officials Friday, underscoring the city's central role in the booming illegal wildlife trade.
Customs officers said they conducted a joint investigation with mainland officials on January 16, seizing 8,300 kilos of pangolin scales and 2,100 kilos of ivory tusks hidden inside a container -- declared to be carrying frozen beef -- at a customs facility.
