Hong Kong Customs yesterday (October 25) seized seven live suspected box turtles, an endangered species, with an estimated market value of about $14,000 at Shenzhen Bay Control Point.
Customs officers intercepted an outgoing private car at Shenzhen Bay Control Point for inspection yesterday and found the live suspected box turtles wrapped with black socks and white tape underneath the front passenger seat of the vehicle. The 50-year-old male driver was arrested.
The case was handed over to Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting an endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million and imprisonment for two years.
Ends/Thursday, October 26, 2017
