Hong Kong Customs seizes live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species (with photo)
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Based on risk assessment, Customs yesterday intercepted an outgoing medium goods vehicle at the control point. Upon X-ray examination, Customs officers spotted irregularities in the images of the vehicle's undercarriage. Eighteen black bags were found concealed inside the chassis frame under the cargo compartment of the vehicle. Upon examination, the bags were found to contain the batch of live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species.
A 56-year-old male driver was arrested and charged with one count of attempting to export unmanifested cargo, one count of attempting to export a species under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and one count of cruelty to animals. The case will be brought up at the Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (September 18).
Customs will continue to combat cross-boundary smuggling activities with firm enforcement action based on risk assessment and intelligence analysis.
Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, 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 specimens forfeited.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Ends/Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Issued at HKT 18:20
Issued at HKT 18:20
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