Hong Kong Customs today (October 8) seized 23 live turtles, suspected to be an endangered species, from two inbound air parcels at the Air Mail Centre of Hong Kong International Airport. The estimated market value of the seizure is about $23,000.
Upon Customs clearance, Customs officers screened the inbound air parcels which originated in New Delhi, India. Suspicious images were found under X-ray inspection. Customs officers opened the parcels for examination and found 23 live turtles, suspected to be an endangered species, contained in plastic boxes.
The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) for follow-up investigation.
A Customs spokesman said, Hong Kong Customs would continue to work with the AFCD as well as the Hongkong Post to combat the smuggling of endangered species by post.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing an endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million and imprisonment for two years.
Ends/Thursday, October 8, 2015
