Despite the active crackdown of ivory smugglers by the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department in the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), it has been difficult for the authorities to identify and prosecute the smugglers. 
Pamoja na hatua kali dhidi ya wahalifu wa pembe za ndovu zinazochukuliwa na Idara ya Uhamiaji ya Hong Kong na Idara ya Forodha katika kutekeleza Tamko la Biashara ya Kimataifa la Viumbe Waliohatarini Kutoweka (CITES), imekuwa vigumu kwa mamlaka kuwatambua na kuwashitaki waingizaji wa bidhaa hiyo.