Hong Kong Customs foiled a pangolin smuggling operation on October 30, 2013, when a “suspicious” fishing vessel was observed leaving the port of Tap Shek Kok. Officers gave chase and intercepted the vessel near the island of Sha Chau.
In addition to 320 kilograms of pangolin scales, the illicit cargo consisted of 442 handheld game consoles, 2,119 mobile phones, and a “small quantity” of methamphetamine and methamphetamine inhalation apparatuses.
Two suspects — the coxswain and a crewman — were arrested.
According to photojournalist Alex Hofford, who attended the press briefing in Kwai Chung (and graciously allowed us to use his photos), the shipment was en route from Africa to China.
Pangolin scales are in high demand in China, were they are unfortunately used in traditional Chinese medicine. There are no health benefits to consuming pangolin scales, which are comprised of keratin — the same as human fingernails, rhino horns, and horse hooves.
Between 2011 and October 2013, an estimated 105,410 — 210,820 pangolins were victims of the illegal trade.
The Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department notes the following:
- Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person found guilty of trading endangered species for commercial purposes is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million and imprisonment for two years.
- Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, the possession of drugs is a serious offence. The maximum penalty is up to imprisonment for seven years and a fine of $1 million.
- Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Suspected smuggling activities can be reported to Hong Kong Customs through the 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Source: Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department
Rhishja Cota
I am the founder of Annamiticus and I have been researching and writing about wildlife trafficking issues since 2009. I also founded World Pangolin Day in 2012. I am the author of USAID Wildlife Asia's Pangolin Species Identification Guide: A Rapid Assessment Tool for Field and Desk. I co-facilitated and was a presenter at the USAID Wildlife Asia Pangolin Care Workshop. At the 4th Regional Dialogue on Combating Trafficking of Wild Fauna and Flora, I facilitated the species roundtables on pangolins. I have trekked with forest rangers in Cambodia, journeyed to the streets of Hanoi to research the illegal wildlife trade, and to the rainforests of Sumatra and Java to document the world’s rarest rhinos. At CITES meetings, I collaborate with colleagues from around the world to lobby in favor of protecting endangered species. I hosted the Behind the Schemes podcast and am the author of the book Murder, Myths & Medicine. I enjoy music, desert gardening, herping, reading, creating, and walking with my dogs. Check out my t-shirts and stickers at snoots + teefers.