Hong Kong Customs Seizes Live Turtles, Snakes, and Lizards in Major Smuggling Bust

Hong Kong Customs seizes reptiles of suspected scheduled endangered species

Hong Kong Customs on June 26 detected a smuggling case involving a cross-boundary private car at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point and seized 386 live turtles, 27 live snakes and two live lizards of suspected scheduled endangered species, with a total estimated market value of about $625,000.

Through risk assessment, Customs on that day intercepted an outgoing private car at the said Control Point. After inspection, Customs officers found two live lizards at the centre console and found 386 live turtles and 27 live snakes concealed in the compartment of the spare tyre. A 39-year-old local male driver suspected to be connected with the case was subsequently arrested. He has been released on bail pending further investigation.

Customs will continue to combat cross-boundary smuggling activities with firm enforcement action based on risk assessment and intelligence analysis.

Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years upon conviction.

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 detects dangerous drugs case and seizes suspected drugs worth about $14.5 million

Hong Kong Customs detected a dangerous drugs case on May 27, and seized a total of about 81 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with a total estimated market value of about $14.5 million.

Through risk assessment and intelligence analysis, Customs on May 27 selected and inspected a 20-foot container, declared as carrying dried mango and arriving in Hong Kong from Thailand, at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds inside the container mix-loaded with dried mango packaging.

An investigation is ongoing.

Customs will continue to enhance enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary returns. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking 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).