Hong Kong Customs yesterday (June 12) seized eight live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species, with an estimated market value of about $16,000, at Hong Kong International Airport.

     Through risk assessment, Customs officers yesterday intercepted an air consignment declared to contain clothing, shoes, computer equipment, health supplements and handbags imported from the United States to Hong Kong. Upon inspection, the batch of live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species was found concealed inside socks in a carton box of the consignment.

     The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up action.

     Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586), 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/Saturday, June 13, 2026
Issued at HKT 13:17

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