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AFD seizes endangered species items
The Agriculture and Fisheries Department (AFD) seized a quantity of cloth suspected to contain highly endangered species ingredients in a series of raids in Kowloon yesterday (Monday).
Acting on information, AFD officers raided six shops in Tsim Sha Tsui and seized a total of 11 pieces of cloth claiming to contain vicuna fabric from four of them.
The seized items are valued at about $421,000.
An AFD spokesman said that apart from the population of Peru and part of that of Chile, all vicuna are listed as Appendix I (highly endangered species) under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Also, the spokesman stressed that trade in endangered species is strictly regulated under the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance. Anyone convicted of illegal import, export or possession of a Highly endangered species for commercial purpose would be liable to a maximum fine of $5 million and two year's imprisonment. In 1996, there were 455 prosecutions under the ordinance with a total fine of $9 million.
He took the opportunity to appeal to members of the public to refrain from buying endangered species items.
He also urged the public to report any illegal activities on endangered species to AFD by calling 2733 2144.
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VMs depart on Orderly Repatriation Flight
A group of 73 Vietnamese migrants (VMs) returned by air to Hanoi, Vietnam today (Tuesday) on the 100th flight under the Orderly Repatriation Programme (ORP).
The majority of the returnees, comprising 47 men, 15 women, seven boys and four girls, are from North Vietnam. Thirteen of the returnees are from Central and South Vietnam.
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