Recently, Luohu Customs intercepted 236 live turtles smuggled by travelers through the inbound passenger inspection channel.
Photo: WeChat Official Account of China Customs
Upon identification by the Shenzhen Customs Animal and Plant Inspection and Quarantine Technology Center, they were confirmed to be the alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) of the Chelydridae family, which is listed as an endangered animal under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Photo: WeChat Official Account of China Customs
Three male passengers entered the customs inspection area without declaring any items, their visibly nervous expressions and unusual gait during the clearance process drew the attention of the officers at Luohu Customs. The officers subsequently intercepted and examined them, finding two red plastic bags concealed within the inner layers of each passenger's underwear. These bags contained 80, 80, and 76 juvenile alligator snapping turtles, respectively, totaling 236 turtles.
Photo: WeChat Official Account of China Customs
The customs reminds that, according to Article 7 of The Rules for the Implementation of Administrative Punishments under the Customs Law of the People's Republic of China, the act of smuggling includes concealing, disguising, misdeclaring, falsely declaring, or otherwise evading customs supervision to transport, carry, or mail goods or items that are prohibited or restricted from entry or exit, or goods or items that are subject to tax payments. Legal responsibility will be pursued; at the same time, according to the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and the Wildlife Protection Law of the People's Republic of China, the Regulations on the Import and Export of Endangered Wild Fauna and Flora of the People's Republic of China, etc., except for those who legally hold an "Import and Export Permit" or species certification, trading, carrying, or mailing endangered species and their products into or out of the country is prohibited, if the violation is serious, the offender will be held criminally responsible.
Reporter | Chen Longyan
Information Source | WeChat Official Account of China Customs
Editor | Will, James
