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. 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.


Source:   The Standard
January 13, 2024 17:20 UTC