Hong Kong customs seizes HK$3.3 million worth of fish bladders from endangered totoaba species
- The 14.4kg of dried fish maw, taken from 39 totoaba, was hidden in two boxes which arrived in Hong Kong last Thursday
- Goods hidden among fish fillets in shipment from Mexico destined for Hanoi in Vietnam
The discovery prompted customs to exchange intelligence with overseas law enforcement agencies in an effort to track down the sender and final consignee of the haul, Assistant Superintendent Herman Lui Siu-fai of the syndicate crimes investigation bureau said on Tuesday.
The 14.4kg of dried fish maw, taken from 39 totoaba, was hidden in two boxes which arrived in Hong Kong last Thursday.
“It was a transshipment cargo and the investigation showed it was destined for Hanoi in Vietnam,” Lui said.
The consignment consisted of the two boxes and was declared as carrying dried fillets. It was selected for inspection at the airport’s cargo terminal through risk assessment.
“During inspection on Monday, 39 dried totoaba fish bladders were found mingled with dried fillets,” Lui said.
