Hong Kong Customs Seizes Eight Live Turtles of Suspected Scheduled Endangered Species Worth About $19,000 at Airport

Hong Kong Customs seizes live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (June 4) seized eight live turtles of a suspected scheduled endangered species, with an estimated market value of about $19,000, at Hong Kong International Airport.

Through risk assessment, Customs officers yesterday intercepted two air consignments declared to contain toys imported from the United States to Hong Kong. Upon inspection, the batch of live turtles of a suspected scheduled endangered species was found concealed in socks or plastic containers inside paper boxes of the two consignments.

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).

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (June 4) seized eight live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species with an estimated market value of about $19,000 at Hong Kong International Airport. Photo shows some of the suspected scheduled endangered live turtles seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Police National Security Department arrests one man

The National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force today (November 5) took enforcement action in Mong Kok and arrested a 34-year-old local man. He was suspected of contravening the offence of "importing a publication that has a seditious intention" under Section 24 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance.

Investigation revealed that the arrested person, a company director of a local company, was suspected of importing seditious books into local bookstores with the intent to bring hatred, contempt or disaffection against the Central People’s Government and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

In addition, under the authorisation of court warrants, Police searched the residence and company of the arrested person. Digital devices used to purchase the seditious books, documents, and other seditious books were seized. The arrested person is being detained for further enquiries.

Police condemn the acts of the related persons and stress that "importing a publication that has a seditious intention" is a serious offence. Offenders shall be liable to imprisonment for seven years upon conviction. Members of the public are urged not to defy the law.

Source: AI-found images