A 27-year-old man was fined $180,000 at Tsuen Wan Magistracy today for the illegal import of endangered species, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department says.
He was prosecuted by the department after he brought 358 black pond turtles and 266 Indian roofed turtles into Hong Kong from Jakarta on August 29.
Both species are listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna & Flora.
The turtles are being temporarily kept at Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden, which will find suitable placement options for them in accordance with international guidelines, in collaboration with the department.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals & Plants Ordinance, illegal import, export, re-export or possession of any endangered species can result in a $5 million fine and two-years' jail.