​The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) conducted a blitz operation yesterday evening (March 3). Fourteen reptiles of endangered species were seized from premises in an industrial building in Kwai Chung, including a crocodile, pythons, lizards and turtles.

     The AFCD received a complaint earlier alleging that endangered species were illegally possessed inside premises in an industrial building in Kwai Chung. Following intelligence gathering and investigation, the AFCD immediately mounted an operation. During the operation, AFCD officers intercepted a male suspect at the premises. He was suspected in connection with the possession of endangered species listed in the Appendices to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). These included a rock iguana, a big-headed turtle, and three Indochinese box turtles, which are listed in Appendix I to CITES; and a crocodile, a blood python, a carpet python, three monitor lizards, a Chinese water dragon, a black-breasted leaf turtle, and a keeled box turtle, which are listed in Appendix II to CITES. According to the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586), unless exempted or otherwise stipulated, possession of Appendix I or Appendix II species requires a Licence to Possess or relevant documentary proof of the animals' origin. As the man was unable to produce any Licence to Possess or relevant document, the AFCD has therefore seized the endangered animals for further investigation.

     A spokesman for the AFCD said, "Illegal possession of endangered species is a serious offence. Any person contravening the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years, and the seized specimens will also be forfeited upon conviction."

     The Government is committed to protecting endangered species. The AFCD will remain vigilant and continue to monitor and collect intelligence through various channels and proactively take enforcement action to combat offences involving endangered species. Members of the public are urged to report any suspected illegal possession of endangered species to the AFCD by calling 2150 6978 or emailing espint@afcd.gov.hk.

Ends/Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Issued at HKT 20:05

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