Man sentenced to 24 months' imprisonment for smuggling rhino horns
A 60-year-old Chinese man, who smuggled rhino horns to Hong Kong, was convicted at the District Court today (February 26) for violating the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) and sentenced to imprisonment for 24 months.
A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said that the passenger arrived at Hong Kong International Airport from Dhaka, Bangladesh, on June 29 last year. During inspection of the man's luggage by Customs officers, 41 suspected rhino horns cut in pieces were found concealed inside. The AFCD officers attended the scene and examined the items, which were found to be painted black and wrapped in plastic film. All cut pieces were confirmed to be rhino horns, weighing 7.7 kilograms in total, with an estimated market value of about $3 million. The man was prosecuted by the AFCD for the illegal importation of specimens of endangered species. He was convicted at the District Court today, and the court adopted a starting point of 36 months' imprisonment for sentencing. A one-third reduction was given for his guilty plea and the defendant was sentenced to imprisonment for 24 months.
Rhinos are listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and are regulated under the Ordinance in Hong Kong. Any person who imports, exports or possesses specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.
The spokesman said, "the Government is committed to the protection of endangered species. The AFCD and Hong Kong Customs will remain vigilant and closely monitor and combat illegal activities involving endangered species."
Members of the public may call 1823 to report any suspected irregularities to the AFCD and visit the AFCD website at www.cites.hk regarding the control of endangered species in Hong Kong.
Man sentenced to 24 months' imprisonment for smuggling rhino horns Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
ExCo Non-official Members congratulate successful launch of manned Shenzhou-23 spacecraft
The following is issued on behalf of the Executive Council Secretariat:
Non-official Members of the Executive Council (ExCo) today (May 24) warmly congratulate the successful launch of the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceship. They extend their highest respect to all crew members, including Dr Lai Ka-ying, the first payload expert from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
The Convenor of ExCo Non-official Members, Mrs Regina Ip, said, "This year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. This mission is the first manned spaceflight during the 15th Five-Year Plan period and the first time a Hong Kong expert has participated, which is a truly momentous occasion. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the country for providing Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent with this invaluable opportunity to take part in the country's aerospace endeavours. Dr Lai has successfully undergone the rigorous selection and training process to become one of the country's fourth batch of astronauts, and China's fourth female astronaut to reach space, contributing Hong Kong's strength to the national aerospace endeavours. She has exemplified the Lion Rock spirit of rising to challenges with resilience and perseverance. Her courage and determination are truly admirable, and all Hong Kong citizens are immensely inspired and proud of her. The understanding and support of her family are also essential for her to participate in this mission with resolution. I am deeply grateful for their support and commitment.
"The HKSAR Government is actively developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology centre and supporting promising research projects through various funding schemes. As an example, the Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO) camera, developed under a project led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and funded by the Government's Innovation and Technology Support Programme Special Call on Aerospace Technology, has successfully arrived at China's Tiangong Space Station, becoming Hong Kong's first scientific payload aboard the station. This fully demonstrates Hong Kong's innovation and technology edge and talent advantages."
Non-official Members of the Executive Council expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the country for its high recognition of Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent, development and achievements, as well as its profound emphasis, care and support for Hong Kong's scientific and technological development. They firmly believe that the HKSAR Government will seize this historic moment to nurture more outstanding innovation and technology talent for the country and Hong Kong, and better integrate into and serve the country's overall development.
Source: AI-found images
