Hong Kong Customs seized 13 suspected scheduled endangered live lizards with an estimated market value of about $92,000 at Hong Kong International Airport on December 27.

     Through risk assessment, Customs officers on that day inspected an air consignment declared to contain snacks imported from Australia. Upon inspection, the suspected scheduled endangered live lizards were found wrapped by socks or cloths inside three pairs of boots from the consignment.

     The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up action.  
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     Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586), 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).

Ends/Monday, December 29, 2025
Issued at HKT 17:30

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