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Ezra Cheung

More than 280 pieces of suspected ivory have been seized from a Hong Kong shop, government officials announced on Thursday.
It was the biggest haul of elephant ivory since its possession, importation and re-export was outlawed last year.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, which carried out the raid and seized 284 items at the store in the Yau Tsim Mong district in Kowloon, said it had conducted inspections on Wednesday and given a warning to the shop before officials acted.
“The government is committed to the protection of endangered species, including elephants,” the department said.
Why Hong Kong’s ban on ivory trade is such a big deal
It added it had stepped up inspection efforts and worked with other government agencies to combat the trade in illegal ivory.
It was not clear if the owner of the shop was arrested or charged in connection with the incident.
Hong Kong toughened up the rules on elephant ivory for commercial purposes from last December.

Exemptions are only given for antique ivory, which is material taken before July 1, 1925, and altered from its natural state into jewellery, art, utility items or musical instruments.
But the exemptions category does not include historical elephant hunting trophies from 1925 or earlier.
Commercial purposes also covers the enticement of customers with free ivory and the display of such products in shops even if they are labelled as not for sale.
Traders must prove their ivory products meet the legal requirements before they can go on sale.
China jails ivory smuggling ringleaders for life in landmark case
The department also highlighted that people should avoid putting ivory products on display at commercial premises to prevent a breach of the legislation.
It warned that offenders could face a fine of up to HK$10 million (US$1.27 million) and a maximum jail sentence of 10 years, as well as the seizure of any illegal ivory.
Authorities have seized 301 pieces of suspected ivory products to date since the law change, including 17 pieces from a shop in the Central and Western district in January.


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Hong Kong environmental issues

Officials seize more than 280 pieces of ivory from Hong Kong shop, biggest haul since trade banned last year

A haul of elephant tusks seized several years ago as part of a crackdown on the cross-border trade in endangered species parts. Photo: Winson Wong.

A customs officer guards a haul of endangered species products including ivory, pangolin scales and shark fins seized in a months-long joint operation with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department in 2018. Photo: AFP

2 arrested in Hong Kong for keeping 31 turtles of rare species, in largest case of illegal possession of such endangered animals in city

Beale’s eyed turtles were among the animals found during the joint operation by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and police. Photo: Edmond So

Fauna conservation officer Tony Chan shows a baby big-headed turtle during the press conference on the joint operation. Photo: Edmond So

Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department officers with the wattle-necked softshell turtle and other animals that were uncovered during the operation. Photo: Edmond So

Malaysia seizes US$18 million in elephant tusks, rhino horns and pangolin scales, possibly destined for China

Malaysian authorities said on Monday they seized a container of African elephant tusks, pangolin scales and other animal skulls and bones estimated to be worth US$18 million. Photo: AP

Animals body parts, including pangolin scales and tiger claws, seized by Malaysia’s customs officers from a trafficker are displayed during a news conference at Port Klang, Selangor, Malaysia on Monday. Photo: Reuters

News

Hong Kong

Health & Environment

Law and Crime

Hong Kong economy


Officials seize biggest haul of ivory since trade was banned late last year
Agricultural, Fisheries and Conservation Department staff warn they will clamp down on suspected violations of law



Hong Kong officials seize biggest haul of ivory since trade was banned late last year.


Ivory trade in Hong Kong and China

Crime in Hong Kong

Officials seize more than 280 pieces of ivory from Hong Kong shop, biggest haul since trade banned last year

Officials seize biggest haul of ivory since trade was banned late last year Agricultural, Fisheries and Conservation Department staff warn they will clamp down on suspected violations of law

Officials seize biggest haul of ivory since trade was banned late last year

Agricultural, Fisheries and Conservation Department staff warn they will clamp down on suspected violations of law