Hong Kong Customs Seizes 42 Endangered Lizards Worth $210,000 Hidden in Dehumidifiers

March 7, 2025
2 mins read
some of the suspected scheduled endangered live lizards seized.
some of the suspected scheduled endangered live lizards seized. Photo Source: Hong Kong Customs (Customs and Excise Department)

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.

some of the seized suspected scheduled endangered live lizards, which were found concealed in milk powder cans. Photo Source: Hong Kong Customs (Customs and Excise Department)

“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.

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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.

FAQs

What species of lizards were seized in this Hong Kong operation? The official reports do not specify the exact species of the 42 lizards seized. They are only identified as “endangered live lizards” in the government press release and news reports.
What penalties do wildlife smugglers face in Hong Kong? Under Hong Kong’s Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586), offenders can face a maximum fine of HK$10 million (approximately USD 1.28 million) and imprisonment for up to 10 years, with all specimens being forfeited.
How many wildlife trafficking incidents does Hong Kong typically handle? In 2024, Hong Kong officials made approximately 550 seizures of endangered plant and animal species. This indicates the scale of wildlife trafficking attempts through this major transportation hub.
Where were the smuggled lizards being transported from? According to official reports, the lizards were found in an air consignment from Australia that was declared to contain dehumidifiers, air purifiers, and milk powder.
What was the estimated value of the seized lizards? The 42 endangered lizards had an estimated market value of approximately HK$210,000 (USD 27,000), according to Hong Kong Customs.
How can the public help combat wildlife trafficking in Hong Kong? The Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department encourages the public to report any suspected smuggling activities through their 24-hour hotline (182 8080), dedicated crime-reporting email ([email protected]), or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Govind Tekale

Embarking on a new journey post-retirement, Govind, once a dedicated teacher, has transformed his enduring passion for current affairs and general knowledge into a conduit for expression through writing. His historical love affair with reading, which borders on addiction, has evolved into a medium to articulate his thoughts and disseminate vital information. Govind pens down his insights on a myriad of crucial topics, including the environment, wildlife, energy, sustainability, and health, weaving through every aspect that is quintessential for both our existence and that of our planet. His writings not only mirror his profound understanding and curiosity but also serve as a valuable resource, offering a deep dive into issues that are critical to our collective future and well-being.

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