Customs Seizes Five Suspected Endangered Turtles at Airport
On.cc · 2 SOURCESabout 5 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong Customs said it seized five live turtles suspected to be controlled endangered species at Hong Kong International Airport on November 7. Officers inspected a parcel imported from the United States and declared as containing toy model gift boxes, then found the turtles inside during examination. The animals were estimated to have a total market value of about HK$50,000. The case has been handed to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up action.
Key Points
- Customs officers selected the incoming parcel for inspection through risk assessment before examining it at Hong Kong International Airport on November 7
- The shipment had arrived from the United States and was declared as carrying toy model gift boxes rather than live animals.
- During the inspection, officers discovered five live turtles suspected to belong to controlled endangered species inside the parcel.
- Customs estimated the five turtles had a combined market value of about HK$50,000 after the airport seizure.
- Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, offenders face a maximum HK$10 million fine and 10 years' imprisonment
Why It Matters
The case points to the continued use of ordinary cargo declarations and postal channels to conceal suspected endangered species entering Hong Kong. For local readers, it also underlines the severe legal consequences tied to importing, exporting or possessing endangered species outside the ordinance's requirements