Customs seizes turtle plastrons

18 Jan 2006

Customs officers of Kwai Chung Customhouse yesterday (January 17) seized from an incoming container 25 cartons of turtle plastrons weighing 897 kilograms.

The seizure included 602 kilograms of Cuora Amboinesis (commonly known as Malayan Box turtle) plastron, 260 kilograms of Siebenrockiella Crassicollis (commonly known as Black Marsh turtle) plastron and 35 kilograms of Orlitia Borneensis (commonly known as Malaysian Giant turtle) plastron. The seized goods worth about $ 224,250.

As confirmed by officers of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), they seized products were endangered species.

The turtle plastrons were concealed under dry snakes in a container, declared to be carrying dry snakes and Scripta Elegans. The consignment was shipped from Indonesia to Hong Kong on January 14 for re-export to Mainland.

No arrest is made so far.

The seized goods were handed over to AFCD for follow-up action.

Under the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance, any person found guilty of trading endangered species for commercial purpose is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million and imprisonment for two years.

Ends/Wednesday, January 18, 2006

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