A 27-year-old man from Jakarta who was caught at Hong Kong International Airport with 624 endangered turtles in his luggage has been fined HKD180,000 at Tsuen Wan Magistrates Court.
A press release from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) gives no indication of how the man attempted to conceal this ridiculously huge consignment of reptiles, but he must not have done too great a job, as he was intercepted in the Arrivals Hall on August 29.
Getting through customs at Jakarta seems to have been a doddle though!
The 356 black pond turtles are restricted to distribution in Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan only, while both this lot and the 266 Indian roofed turtles they travelled with are listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Anyone found guilty of importing of exporting such creatures without a licence from the AFCD is liable for a maximum fine of HKD5 million, two years imprisonment and “mandatory forfeiture” of the specimens.
We love the fact they feel the need to explain that you can’t keep the animals if you’re caught, and that being nabbed with 624 turtles in your checked luggage results in such a relatively measly punishment.
The public are asked not to contribute to the illegal trade in endangered species by resisting the urge to buy trophy pets. Stick to cats and dogs, people!
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