Govind Tekale
In a significant wildlife smuggling bust, Hong Kong Customs officials intercepted 42 endangered live lizards at Hong Kong International Airport on March 4, 2025. The reptiles, with an estimated market value of HK$210,000 (approximately USD 27,000), were cleverly hidden inside what was declared as a shipment of dehumidifiers, air purifiers, and milk powder cans from Australia.
The case has been transferred to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) for further investigation and action, according to the official press release issued by the Hong Kong government on March 5.
This seizure adds to Hong Kong’s growing list of wildlife trafficking incidents. Last year too, officials reported significant seizures of endangered plant and animal species, including live orchids, American ginseng, dried seahorses, gastrodia, dendrobium, and shark fins from protected species.
“Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offense,” the Customs and Excise Department stated. Violations can result in severe penalties—a maximum fine of HK$10 million and imprisonment for up to 10 years, with all specimens being forfeited.
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Hong Kong’s strategic position as a global transportation hub makes it particularly vulnerable to wildlife trafficking. While authorities have stepped up enforcement efforts, wildlife crime remains a persistent global issue. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, wildlife trafficking continues worldwide despite two decades of concerted action, affecting around 4,000 plant and animal species across 162 countries and territories between 2015 and 2021.
The impact of such trafficking extends beyond the immediate seizure. Wildlife experts point out that these activities threaten biodiversity, diminish species populations, and can lead to local or even global extinctions, creating long-term ecological problems.
Previous notable cases include the April 2024 seizure of 63 endangered live turtles valued at over HK$810,000, which resulted in a 15-month prison sentence for a 37-year-old Malaysian transit passenger. In another case last September, a 45-year-old Chinese woman received an 18-month jail term for smuggling 64 endangered turtles into Hong Kong from Tokyo, some wrapped in socks and others packed in small plastic boxes.
Hong Kong authorities continue to urge public vigilance and cooperation in combating wildlife trafficking, maintaining a 24-hour hotline (182 8080) and dedicated reporting channels for suspected smuggling activities.
