Customs Seizes Five Endangered Turtles in Toy Parcel
Bastillepost · 3 SOURCESabout 2 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 4 after inspecting an inbound parcel from the United States that had been declared as building-block toys. The animals were found during a risk-assessment operation, and the estimated total market value was about HK$5,000. The case has been handed to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up. Authorities also reiterated that illegal import, export or possession of endangered species can lead to severe penalties under Hong Kong law.
Key Points
- Customs officers selected the parcel for inspection through risk assessment at Hong Kong International Airport on November 4.
- The shipment had arrived from the United States and was declared as containing building-block toys before inspection.
- Officers found five live turtles suspected to belong to controlled endangered species inside the parcel.
- The turtles' estimated combined market value was about HK$5,000, according to Customs.
- The case was transferred to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for further handling under the law.
Why It Matters
The case points to the continued use of ordinary cargo declarations to conceal suspected endangered animals entering Hong Kong, putting pressure on airport screening and wildlife enforcement. It also serves as a reminder that offences involving endangered species under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance carry a maximum penalty of a HK$10 million fine and 10 years' imprisonment, with the items liable to forfeiture.