Customs detects animal smuggling for two-day straight

Hong Kong Customs seizes 17 live turtles of suspected endangered species at the airport, with an estimated market value of about 102,000 dollars.

Through risk assessment, Customs officers on Saturday intercepted a parcel declared to contain a jacket from the US to Hong Kong. After inspection, authorities found live turtles inside the parcel, concealed in socks.

The customs also seized a wide array of suspected illegally imported animal at Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point on Friday, including a rabbit, a hamster, a guinea pig and two parrots. The estimated market value was about 7,800 dollars. Authorities arrested a 21-year-old mainlander.