Hong Kong detector dog sniffs out endangered dried seahorses in airport crackdown

A dedicated detector dog named Maggie sniffed out a parcel containing 16.8 kilograms of dried seahorses at the Air Mail Centre of Hong Kong Airport on Wednesday.

The huge haul was found in a box with no relevant permits, sparking an investigation into the contravention of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species and the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance.

Hong Kong’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) set up a Quarantine Detector Dog Team in 2008 to bolster its efforts in combating the illegal importation of animals and animal products, including endangered species.

The AFCD yesterday reminded the public not to buy, import or export endangered species, pointing out that the maximum penalty is a fine of HKD500,000 and one year in jail.

So all that’s left to say is… “Go, Maggie!” She sure has a nose for fishy business!
 


Got a tip? Send it to us at hongkong@coconuts.co.




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