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Hong Kong Customs detected a suspected case of smuggling live turtles in five inbound air parcels at Hong Kong International Airport today (August 10). A total of 95 live turtles suspected to be endangered species and worth about $95,000 were seized.
Upon referral from the Hongkong Post, Customs officers screened five inbound air parcels declared as "used books" and sent from Los Angeles, the United States, via Narita, Japan, to Hong Kong. Suspicious images were found under X-ray inspection. Customs officers opened the parcels and found a total of 95 live turtles inside.
The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) for follow-up.
A Customs spokesman said, Hong Kong Customs would continue to work with the AFCD as well as Hongkong Post to combat smuggling of endangered species by post.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing an endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year.
Ends/Monday, August 10, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:37
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