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Hong Kong Customs seizes live lizards of suspected scheduled endangered species (with photo)
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     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (July 18) seized 11 live lizards of suspected scheduled endangered species at Hong Kong International Airport, with an estimated market value of about $205,000.

     Through risk assessment, Customs officers intercepted a parcel declared to contain pet chew stick imported from Australia to Hong Kong yesterday. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the batch of live lizards of suspected scheduled endangered species mix-loaded with pet products and concealed in multiple metal boxes in the parcel.

     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/Sunday, July 19, 2026
Issued at HKT 14:10
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Hong Kong Customs yesterday (July 18) seized 11 live lizards of suspected scheduled endangered species at Hong Kong International Airport, with an estimated market value of about $205,000. Photo shows the live lizards of suspected scheduled endangered species seized.