Hong Kong Customs seizes live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (June 28) seized 10 live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species, with an estimated market value of about $26,000, at Hong Kong International Airport.
Through risk assessment, Customs officers yesterday intercepted an air consignment declared to contain a stuffed cushion and a decorative throw imported from the United States to Hong Kong. Upon inspection, a batch of live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species was found concealed inside socks in a carton box of the consignment.
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/en).
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (June 28) seized 10 live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species with an estimated market value of about $26,000 at Hong Kong International Airport. Photo shows the suspected scheduled endangered live turtles seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs seizes eggs of suspected scheduled endangered bird species
Hong Kong Customs detected a case involving a passenger smuggling endangered species at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) on June 27 and seized 777 eggs of suspected scheduled endangered bird species, with an estimated market value of about $10.9 million.
A 27-year-old Chinese male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Thailand on June 27. He was intercepted for Customs clearance at the arrival hall of HKIA. Customs officers found the batch of bird eggs concealed in metal boxes inside his carry-on baggage. Upon inspection by officers of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), the bird eggs were suspected to be endangered species listed in the Appendices of 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 case has been handed over to the AFCD for follow-up action. Hong Kong Customs reminds the public not to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong.
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.
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 seizes eggs of suspected scheduled endangered bird species Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
