Zhuhai’s Gongbei Customs announced in a statement yesterday that its officers seized 374 endangered terrapins at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) on November 7.
According to the statement, on that day, at 5 p.m., customs officers at the cross-delta bridge Zhuhai Port (checkpoint) inbound passenger vehicle lane noticed an anomaly in the inspection images of a Guangdong-Hong Kong dual-plate vehicle.
Upon inspection, customs officers found that 374 live terrapins were hidden in 11 transparent mesh bags within the spare wheel compartment of the vehicle’s boot.
Upon examination, the 374 terrapins were identified as Kinosternon scorpioides, also known as scorpion mud turtle, red-cheeked mud turtle and red-headed mud turtle, which is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Gongbei Customs stressed that, according to CITES, the Wildlife Protection Law of the People’s Republic of China, and the Regulations of the Import and Export of Endangered Wild Animals and Plants, it is illegal to carry endangered species or their products across the border without proper certificates, adding that serious violations may constitute a crime and carry criminal liability.
Customs seizes 187 ornamental fish & 12 pet crabs
Meanwhile Zhuhai’s Gongbei Customs announced in a statement yesterday that its officers seized 187 ornamental fish and 12 pet crabs at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao (HZMB) on October 15.
According to the statement, on that day, at around 3 p.m., customs officers at the HZMB Zhuhai Port (checkpoint) inbound passenger vehicle lane noticed an anomaly in the inspection images of a Guangdong-Hong Kong dual-plate vehicle.
Upon inspection, customs officers discovered a large quantity of transparent plastic bags filled with water in the vehicle’s boot. Each bag was secured at the opening with a rubber band and contained either a live ornamental fish or a live pet crab, exhibiting a variety of colours. Upon counting, the total seized amounted to 187 live ornamental fish and 12 live pet crabs.
According to the appraisal conducted by the Gongbei Customs Technology Centre, the batch of ornamental fish and pet crabs included 18 species, such as the Red Sea Sailfin Tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum), Power Claw Crab, and Emerald Crab.
Gongbei Customs reminded the public that bringing live animals and plants into the country without approval is strictly prohibited. Those who violate these regulations will be held legally accountable by Customs authorities.
This undated handout photo provided by Zhuhai Gongbei Customs yesterday shows 374 terrapins seized by its officers at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) on November 7.
This undated handout photo provided by Zhuhai Gongbei Customs yesterday shows ornamental fish and pet crabs in individual plastic bags, seized by its officers at the HZMB on October 15.
