Chinese Man Sentenced to 24 Months for Smuggling Rhino Horns into Hong Kong

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

Princess Margaret Hospital announces suspected indecent assault incidents involving staff members

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The spokesperson for Princess Margaret Hospital made the following statement today (February 26) regarding suspected indecent assault incidents involving two staff members:

Two patient care assistants (PCA) of a medicine and geriatrics ward were suspected to have been indecently assaulted while taking care of a patient on the morning of February 22. The hospital reported the incidents to the Police after receiving reports. A 53-year-old male patient was arrested by the Police in the ward two days ago (February 24).

The hospital is highly concerned about those incidents. The hospital strongly condemns the suspected indecent acts against its staff members, resolutely adopts a zero-tolerance attitude towards such incidents, and will follow up seriously while fully co-operating with the Police investigation. The hospital has expressed sympathy and provided support to the staff members concerned.

Those incidents have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office via the Advance Incident Reporting System.

The Princess Margaret Hospital, Photo source: reference image