Hong Kong Customs Seizes Suspected Endangered Reptiles Worth About $173,800 at Airport; Man Arrested for Illegal Importation

Hong Kong Customs seizes reptiles of suspected scheduled endangered species

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (June 9) seized seven snakes, 19 lizards and five turtles of suspected endangered species, with a total estimated market value of about $173,800, at Hong Kong International Airport.

A 31-year-old incoming local man arrived in Hong Kong from the Netherlands via Shanghai yesterday. He was intercepted for customs clearance at the arrival hall of the airport. Customs officers found the batch of reptiles inside his check-in baggage. Upon inspection by officers of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), the batch of reptiles was suspected to be endangered species listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and regulated under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) in Hong Kong. The man was subsequently arrested by Customs officers. The case was handed over to the AFCD for follow-up investigation.

The arrested man will be charged by the AFCD with one count of illegal import of an Appendix II species and one count of cruelty to animals.

Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, 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.

Also, according to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169), any person who, by wantonly or unreasonably doing or omitting to do any act, causes any unnecessary suffering to any animal commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for three years upon conviction.

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 9) seized seven snakes, 19 lizards and five turtles of suspected endangered species, with a total estimated market value of about $173,800, at Hong Kong International Airport. Photo shows one of the turtles of suspected endangered species seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (June 9) seized seven snakes, 19 lizards and five turtles of suspected endangered species, with a total estimated market value of about $173,800, at Hong Kong International Airport. Photo shows one of the lizards of suspected endangered species seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (June 9) seized seven snakes, 19 lizards and five turtles of suspected endangered species, with a total estimated market value of about $173,800, at Hong Kong International Airport. Photo shows one of the lizards of suspected endangered species seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (June 9) seized seven snakes, 19 lizards and five turtles of suspected endangered species, with a total estimated market value of about $173,800, at Hong Kong International Airport. Photo shows one of the snakes of suspected endangered species seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong films shine at two film festivals in Spain

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (Brussels ETO) supported two film festivals in Spain in July 2026, namely the Asian Summer Film Festival, held in Vic from July 14 to 19 (Vic time), and the Cines del Sur International Film Festival, held in Granada from July 17 to 25 (Granada time).

A long-standing partner festival attracting more than 14 000 visitors each year, the Asian Summer Film Festival screened six Hong Kong films supported by Brussels ETO, showcasing a mix of new releases and classic Hong Kong cinema: Jill Wong's "Pass and Goal", Dickson Leung's "Good Game", Albert Mak's "Hit N Fun", Albert Njo's "Road to Vendetta", Kwok Ka-hei and Jack Lee's"Unidentified Murder" and Chang Cheh's "The Five Venoms".

The Hong Kong Day, held on July 17 (Vic time), was a highlight of the festival, featuring the screenings of five Hong Kong films, a breakfast meeting introducing the Hong Kong film selection to media and industry professionals, and a Hong Kong Night where guests enjoyed a special tribute to Hong Kong's action and marital art cinema, the screening of "Good Game", as well as Hong Kong style street food.

Speaking at the breakfast meeting on July 17 (Vic time), the Deputy Representative of Brussels ETO, Mr Kasper Ng, said that "The Hong Kong programme this year featured a wide range of genres highlighting the diversity, creativity and energy of Hong Kong cinema today.We hope the Hong Kong films will inspire you to know more about Hong Kong and visit us, including attending our annual FILMART, Asia's largest film and entertainment content marketplace, and visiting our iconic cultural landmarks such as the West Kowloon Cultural District."

During the "Hong Kong Night", Mr Kasper Ng presented the festival honorary award to Lo Mang in recognition of his outstanding career. The award was accepted on his behalf by actor and action director Ken Law of "Good Game", who attended the festival.

This year also marked Brussels ETO' first collaboration with the Cines del Sur International Film Festival, which screened Oliver Siu Kuen Chan's "Montages of a Modern Motherhood" on July 18 (Granada time) in Granada.

Addressing the audience before the screening, Mr Kasper Ng said that "Hong Kong may be best known internationally for its action and martial arts classics, but today's filmmakers are also telling intimate, contemporary stories that reflect the changing aspirations and diversity of our society. We are delighted to share this side of Hong Kong cinema with audiences in Spain."

Attracting around 13 000 spectators each year, the Cines del Sur International Film Festival showcases cinema from Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Hong Kong films shine at two film festivals in Spain Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong films shine at two film festivals in Spain Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong films shine at two film festivals in Spain Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong films shine at two film festivals in Spain Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases