HONG KONG; Hong Kong Customs seized six live turtles suspected to be endangered species at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point on Monday, with an estimated market value of about HK$60,000 (US$7,652).
The turtles were found in a lorry intercepted by Customs. They had been concealed in socks and mixed with clothes inside a carton box.
The turtles were handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government for follow-up action.
Under Hong Kong's Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, anyone who imports, exports or possesses specimens of endangered species in violation of the ordinance commits an offence.
Upon conviction, offenders face a maximum fine of HK$10 million and imprisonment of up to 10 years. - China Daily/ANN
