Hong Kong Customs yesterday (May 14) seized 18 live turtles and three live lizards suspected to be endangered species with an estimated market value of about $160,000 at Hong Kong International Airport. This is the first smuggling case of live endangered species involving a passenger detected by Customs this year after the full resumption of normal travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland as well as other parts of the world.
Customs officers yesterday afternoon conducted customs clearance on a male passenger who arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, at the airport. The batch of live turtles and live lizards suspected to be endangered species were found packed around his outer thighs. The 27-year-old man was subsequently arrested.
The case has been handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up action.
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 $10 million and an imprisonment for 10 years.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Monday, May 15, 2023
