Hong Kong Nabs Two Of The Biggest Illegal Shark Fin Consignments Weighing Up To 26,000 Kg

While the world is battling a pandemic, Hong Kong customs officials have made their largest shark fin seizure ever, and have uncovered 26,000 kg worth of it, taken from 38,500 endangered sharks. The fins were found inside a pair of shipping containers from South America.

According to South China Morning Post, the two consignments worth HK$8.6 million (US$1.1 million) weighed more than double the 12,000 kg of shark fin that was seized back in 2019. Assistant superintendent, Danny Cheung Kwok-yin, said, ¡°Each consignment consisting of 13 tonnes broke the previous record seizure of 3.8 tonnes of controlled shark fins made in 2019."

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Cheung added that both consignments were sent from the same shipper to the same Hong Kong logistics company. Reportedly, customs officials have now arrested the owner of the firm. However, the 57-year-old owner has been granted bail pending further investigation.

South China Morning Post

The report also added that the value of the seizure would have been much higher if the shark fin was of a higher quality. Apparently, shark fins can costs thousands of dollars per kilogram.

Within 10 days of each other, the consignments arrived from Ecuador in January, but officers only managed to investigate the containers at their Kwai Chung cargo examination compound on April 28 and May 4. Apparently, the Spanish-language markings on the containers which said 'dried fish' made the officers suspicious.

Cheung said, ¡°It¡¯s unusual for some imported goods to be described in foreign languages other than English". He also added that customs officers had seized a shipment of shark fins earlier from Ecuador.

Both the containers consisted of more than 300 nylon bags of dried fish fins. They mainly belonged to thresher and silky sharks, both of them protected species.

Cheung also claimed that the consignment, it seemed, was sent for local consumption and was meant for Hong Kong eateries and shops. An investigation is taking place and timely arrests will be made.