Ivory found smuggled inside ‘suspicious’ passenger’s vest at Hong Kong airport

Yesterday, airport customs officials seized 15 kilos of suspected chunks of ivory from a “suspicious” male passenger’s hand luggage. 

Cut-up elephant tusks, worth about HKD150,000, were found inside a clunky-looking tailor-made vest when the passenger went through customs. Maybe he was supposed to wear it but found it too uncomfortable?

The passenger, aged 42, had arrived from Abuja, Nigeria, via Dubai, UAE.

The case has been handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for further investigation.

Anyone convicted of importing an endangered species without a license is liable to a fine of up to HKD100,000 and one year’s imprisonment. 

Photos: Hong Kong Customs
 

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