The Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department has confirmed that a record seizure of R29 million worth of suspected rhino horn has been seized on a flight from South Africa.
An estimated 83 kilograms of suspected rhino horn, destined for Malaysia, was intercepted through a tip-off.
The cargo was initially declared as ‘auto parts’.
Hong Kong authorities have indicated that this is the single largest product haul of endangered species in five years.
No arrests have been made yet.
This comes after a recent record seizure of endangered species products when 13 tons of pangolin scales were confiscated in Singapore earlier this week.
The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) raised alarms as to why these products were not being detected and seized before they left South Africa.
A review of the current detection measures will be done, said the DEA.
