Customs seizes six suspected endangered turtles at airport
On.cc · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong customs officers seized six live turtles suspected to be controlled endangered species at Hong Kong International Airport on 1 September after inspecting an inbound parcel from the United States that had been declared as handicraft gifts. The animals were found inside a wooden box, with the estimated market value put at about HK$36,000, and the case has been handed to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up.
Key Points
- Customs said the parcel was selected for inspection through risk assessment after arriving in Hong Kong from the United States by air cargo
- The shipment was declared as containing handicraft gifts, but officers found six live turtles suspected to be controlled endangered species inside a wooden box.
- The seizure took place at Hong Kong International Airport on 1 September, according to the enforcement authorities' account of the operation.
- Authorities estimated the six turtles had a market value of about HK$36,000 before transferring the case for specialist follow-up.
- Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, illegal import, export or possession can bring a HK$10 million fine and 10 years' imprisonment
Why It Matters
The referral to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department means the case will move from border interception to species identification and possible prosecution under Hong Kong's endangered-species law. For Hong Kong readers, the case is a reminder that falsely declared air parcels can trigger serious wildlife-trafficking investigations and heavy penalties.