Man arrested over smuggling of 150 live turtles into Hong Kong from mainland China
The animals, packed into the man’s luggage, are suspected to be an endangered species with a total estimated value of HK$30,000
A 19-year-old man has been arrested in Hong Kong over the smuggling of 150 live turtles – suspected to be an endangered species – from mainland China, the second case involving such animals in a month.
Officers from the Customs and Excise Department detained the man at Shenzhen Bay Control Point on Tuesday after intercepting a Hong Kong-bound car he was travelling in.
“Customs officers found the live turtles inside the luggage of a passenger,” the department said in a statement, adding the animals had an estimated street value of HK$30,000 (US$3,800).
Surge in number of endangered wildlife products seized by Hong Kong customs
The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up.
In Hong Kong, importing or exporting an endangered species without a licence carries a maximum penalty of two years in jail and a HK$5 million fine under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance.
Two turtles killed after being thrown from same building as Victoria Harbour dog
In a similar case on April 6, customs seized two suspected endangered turtles worth HK$1,000 and arrested an outbound passenger, aged 29, at Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point as he was heading for Shenzhen.
