HONG KONG: Customs have seized 23 live turtles found in two in-bound air parcels arriving from New Delhi, India. The reptiles, which were confiscated at the airport, are suspected to be an endangered species with an estimated value of HK$23,000.
Customs officials discovered them during an x-ray inspection of the parcels. The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD).
This is the second attempted import of a suspected endangered species via the postal system this month, and the tenth in the past two months. Previously, airport customs seized live turtles, cut ivory, red sandalwood and rhino horns.
The Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance states that any person found guilty of importing an endangered species without a licence and for commercial purposes is liable to a maximum fine of HK$5 million and imprisonment for two years.
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