Customs at the gate seized 623 grams of endangered coral

Customs at Zhakou seized 623 grams of endangered coral, photographed by Zhu Weijun

Recently, after appraisal by the Gongbei Customs Technical Center, it was confirmed that a batch of corals recently seized by the Gongbei Customs' Zhakou Customs belong to the Caryophyllales order and have been listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

At around 18:24 on February 8th, Macau passenger Jiang entered through the customs "green channel" at the Gongbei Port Inspection Hall. The on-site customs officer noticed that he looked nervous and had stiff steps, so he implemented a stop and inspection. After further inspection, the customs officers seized a suspected batch of 623 grams of coral from the handbag he was carrying.

After appraisal by the Gongbei Customs Technical Center, it has been confirmed that the above-mentioned coral is a species of the Caryophyllales order. All species of the Caryophylla order are listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and are classified as second-class protected wildlife in China.

Customs reminds that according to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the Wildlife Protection Law of the People's Republic of China, and the Regulations on the Administration of Import and Export of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora of the People's Republic of China, except for those who legally hold import and export certificates for wild animals and plants, it is prohibited to carry endangered species and their products into and out of the country. If the circumstances are serious enough to constitute a crime, criminal responsibility will be pursued in accordance with the law.