Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected endangered cartilages of softshell turtles worth about $5 million (with photos)
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Hong Kong Customs seized about 1 400 kilograms of cartilages of softshell turtles suspected to be endangered species, with an estimated market value of about $5 million, at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound on January 11.
Through risk assessment, Customs on that day selected a container, arriving from Bangladesh and declared to be containing dried seafood, for inspection. Upon examination, Customs officers found the batch of suspected endangered cartilages of softshell turtles inside the container.
After a follow-up investigation, Customs yesterday (January 12) arrested a 63-year-old male director of the consignee company suspected to be connected with the case.
An investigation is ongoing and the arrested man has been released on bail pending further investigation.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting an endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).