Hong Kong Authorities Arrest Woman Following Seizure of Endangered Turtles and Exotic Pets

Hong Kong customs officials have intercepted several endangered turtles and parrots during two distinct smuggling operations, leading to the arrest of one woman.

The Customs and Excise Department reported on Saturday that 17 live turtles, suspected to be protected species, were discovered within a shipment arriving from the United States at Hong Kong International Airport. The package had been falsely declared as containing only clothing.

“During inspection, a group of live turtles, suspected to be scheduled endangered species, was found concealed inside socks,” the department stated.

The estimated market value of the seized turtles is approximately HK$102,000 (US$13,010).

In a second incident on Friday, customs officers intercepted a 21-year-old woman from mainland China at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line control point.

A subsequent search uncovered a rabbit, a hamster, a guinea pig, a sugar glider, and two parrots—suspected to be endangered species—hidden in a paper bag and a trouser pocket.

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