Customs bust HK$5m worth of endangered softshell turtle cartilage, one arrested

A 63-year-old man was arrested after customs seized about HK$5 million worth of endangered softshell turtles’ cartilage, weighing about 1,400 kg. 

The bust came on Thursday as customs selected a container arriving from Bangladesh declared to be containing dried seafood for inspection. 

Upon examination, officers found the batch of suspected cartilage inside the container. 

After a follow-up investigation, customs arrested a 63-year-old male director of the consignee company suspected to be connected with the case on Friday. 

“The investigation is ongoing and the arrested man has been released on bail pending further investigation,” customs said in a statement. 

Customs reminded that importing or exporting an endangered species without a license is an offense under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance. 

The maximum penalty carries a HK$10 million fine and 10 years’ imprisonment. 

The public is encouraged to report any suspected smuggling activities to customs through its 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or dedicated crime-reporting email account at crimereport@customs.gov.hk.