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Hong Kong customs officials have made another significant wildlife trafficking bust, intercepting 42 endangered live lizards concealed in an air shipment from Australia. The reptiles, with an estimated street value of HK$210,000, were cleverly hidden inside dehumidifiers, air purifiers, and milk powder cans. Authorities discovered the illicit cargo during an inspection at the city’s international airport on Monday, reinforcing their ongoing efforts to combat the illegal wildlife trade. The seized lizards have been handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department for proper care.
The discovery serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by wildlife smuggling. Hong Kong customs has reiterated that the trafficking of endangered species is a serious offense, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison and a hefty HK$10 million fine. The city remains a key transit hub for wildlife trafficking, prompting authorities to ramp up their vigilance at border checkpoints. Smugglers often use sophisticated concealment methods, as seen in this case, but customs officials continue to crack down on these illegal operations.
This latest seizure follows a series of high-profile wildlife interceptions in the city. In 2023 alone, authorities confiscated hundreds of endangered plant and animal specimens at border points, ranging from rare orchids to shark fins. Earlier in April 2024, customs officers intercepted 63 endangered turtles worth over HK$810,000, leading to the arrest and conviction of a Malaysian transit passenger. With law enforcement tightening its grip on wildlife smuggling, Hong Kong remains at the forefront of efforts to combat the global illegal trade of endangered species.
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(Source: Hong Kong Government)
