Customs find rare two-headed turtle in traveller’s possession at Hong Kong border

Customs and Excise Department officers intercepted a 24-year-old local traveller at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line control point on 28 September and found a live turtle in his possession. Images supplied by Customs showed the animal had two heads and was considered rare.

After examining the turtle, Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department personnel preliminarily identified it as an endangered species listed in the appendices of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. The species is regulated in Hong Kong under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance.

The turtle was estimated to have a market value of about HK$10,000. The case was transferred to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for investigation.

Under the ordinance, a person convicted of importing or possessing an endangered species without complying with its requirements can face a maximum fine of HK$10 million and 10 years’ imprisonment, with the items subject to forfeiture.