Man arrested for illegal import of critically endangered Vallarta mud turtles (with photos)

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     The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), in collaboration with the Customs and Excise Department, detected an endangered species case at Hong Kong International Airport on April 30 and seized six critically endangered Vallarta mud turtles with an estimated market value of over $1.2 million. A male passenger was arrested. The man was charged with the illegal import of endangered species, and the case was mentioned in court today (May 2).

     The arrested person is a 38 year-old Chinese male passenger, who arrived in Hong Kong from Mexico via the Netherlands on April 30. Customs officers intercepted the man for customs clearance, during which six live turtles were found in his check-in baggage. Officers of the AFCD arrived at the scene to inspect the turtles. The turtles were suspected to be Vallarta mud turtles (Kinosternon vogti), a species listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and regulated under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) in Hong Kong. The AFCD officers immediately arrested the man, seized the turtles, and charged him with the illegal import of endangered species.

     An AFCD spokesman said, "The Vallarta mud turtle is a critically endangered species endemic to Mexico. It was first discovered in 2018, with only hundreds remaining in the wild. International trade in wild Vallarta mud turtles is prohibited. Illegal poaching and trade pose the greatest threat to their survival."

Any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction, with the turtles forfeited.

     The public may call 1823 to report any suspected irregularities to the AFCD and visit the AFCD website (www.cites.hk) regarding the control of endangered species in Hong Kong.

Ends/Friday, May 2, 2025
Issued at HKT 18:25

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The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, in collaboration with the Customs and Excise Department, detected an endangered species case at Hong Kong International Airport on April 30 and seized six critically endangered Vallarta mud turtles with an estimated market value of over $1.2 million.