Hong Kong Customs officers at Hong Kong International Airport intercepted a shipment from the United States on June 12, seizing eight live turtles believed to be of a scheduled endangered species, with an estimated market value of approximately HK6,000.
Through risk assessment profiling, Customs officers identified and inspected an air consignment that had been declared to contain clothing, shoes, computer equipment, health supplements, and handbags. Upon physical examination, the batch of live turtles was discovered concealed inside socks packed within a carton box in the consignment, according to an official government statement released on Saturday.
The case has been handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) for follow-up investigation and enforcement action. Authorities have not yet disclosed the specific species of turtles seized, pending further examination by conservation experts.
The seizure highlights Hong Kong’s ongoing vigilance against the illegal wildlife trade, which remains a significant concern for global conservation efforts. As a major international aviation and logistics hub, Hong Kong International Airport handles millions of cargo shipments annually, making it a critical transit point that requires robust enforcement measures to detect and intercept illicit wildlife trafficking.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586), any person found guilty of importing, exporting, or possessing specimens of endangered species without a valid licence issued under the ordinance commits an offence. Convictions carry a maximum penalty of a HK0 million fine and imprisonment for up to 10 years, with all specimens involved subject to forfeiture.
The ordinance implements the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to which Hong Kong is a signatory through China. CITES regulates international trade in over 40,000 species of animals and plants to ensure their survival in the wild. Hong Kong Customs and the AFCD work closely together to enforce these regulations at border control points.
This is not an isolated incident. Hong Kong authorities have consistently intercepted illegal wildlife shipments in recent years, ranging from ivory and pangolin scales to exotic reptiles and birds destined for the illegal pet trade. The city’s strategic position as a gateway to mainland China makes it both a destination and transit hub for wildlife trafficking networks operating across Asia.
Customs officials urged members of the public to report any suspected smuggling activities by calling the department’s 24-hour hotline at 182 8080, sending an email to crimereport@customs.gov.hk, or submitting an online form through the dedicated e-reporting system.
The government reiterated its commitment to combating illegal wildlife trade and protecting endangered species through stringent enforcement of relevant legislation and close collaboration with international law enforcement agencies.
Sources: [HKSAR Government]
