Hong Kong Customs seized six live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species, with an estimated market value of about $38,000, at Hong Kong International Airport today (September 28). 

     Through risk assessment, Customs officers intercepted three parcels declared as containing toy cars and toy building sets from the United States to Hong Kong. Upon inspection, the batch of live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species was found inside the three parcels. 

     The cases were handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up actions. 

     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/Monday, September 28, 2026
Issued at HKT 17:30

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