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Dr So pointed out that some of the returning travellers were at times found by Customs and Excise officers at control points to have brought in endangered species.
Latest statistics indicate there are cases where visitors returning to Hong Kong have brought in with their luggage stuffed specimen of sea turtles and crocodiles, mounted butterflies, coral skeletons and controlled medicines, he said.
Dr So reiterated that any person importing, exporting or possessing any endangered species, including their parts and derivatives, without a licence issued by AFD, would have contravened the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance.
Under the ordinance, any person found guilty of importing a highly endangered species item without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 and one year's imprisonment. If the import is for a commercial purpose, the maximum penalties could be a $5 million fine plus two years in jail.
Highly endangered species include rhinos, tiger, most species of bear, all sea turtles and medicines containing or claiming to contain rhino or tiger ingredients.
Dr So said magistrates had recently imposed heavier fines on people contravening the ordinance. In the latest case which was concluded on Tuesday (August 22), a shop operator was fined $60,000 after being found guilty at the Fanling Magistracy for possessing pangolin scale, musk and controlled medicine for sale.
End/Thursday, August 24, 1995
Tung Lung rock carving inaccessible
The path leading to the historic rock carving on Tung Lung Island has collapsed following the recent rainstorm.
A spokesman for the Antiquities and Monuments Office today (Thursday) called on members of the public not to plan any outings to the area for the time being, especially during the long weekend, until the path was repaired.
Located on the northern coast of the island, the carving depicts the image of a dragon and consists of complicated and tortuous lines which can be seen at a distance.