Following the case of a crocodile found yesterday (June 24) on the podium of a unit at Tai Po Road, Sham Shui Po, the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) continued an in-depth investigation and identified a unit in the building adjacent to the podium as being involved in the case. At around 00.30am today (June 25), the HKPF, together with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), conducted a joint raid at the unit. Including the crocodile seized earlier, a total of 30 endangered reptiles were seized.
      
     During the operation, AFCD officers found 63 reptiles, amphibians and arthropods inside the unit. Among them, 29 were endangered reptiles listed in the Appendices to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). These included three rock iguanas which are listed in Appendix I to the CITES; and 10 turtles, 10 lizards and six snakes listed in Appendix II to the CITES. The species include Aldabra giant tortoises, a savannah monitor, a boa constrictor and a Burmese python, etc.
      
     A 35-year-old local woman claimed to enforcement officers that she is the owner of the animals, and claimed that they were possessed for education purposes. As the woman was unable to produce any Licence to Possess or relevant proof, the AFCD has therefore arrested her on suspicion of illegal possession of endangered species listed in Appendices I and II to the CITES. A total of 30 endangered reptiles, including the crocodile found yesterday, were seized for further investigation. The crocodile has been preliminarily identified as an estuarine crocodile, which is a species listed in Appendix I to the 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.
      
     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."
      
     To safeguard public safety, the AFCD strongly urges members of the public not to keep dangerous or aggressive animals in their homes. In addition, different animals have different specific needs, and wild animals have particular environmental requirements. From an animal welfare perspective, wild animals are not suitable for keeping in households.

     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 to espint@afcd.gov.hk.

Ends/Thursday, June 25, 2026
Issued at HKT 20:48

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