The lizards were found concealed inside an air consignment declared to contain dehumidifiers, air purifiers and cans of milk powder from Australia, officials said.
Hong Kong Customs Seize 42 Endangered Lizards in Smuggling Bust
HONG KONG — Customs officials at Hong Kong International Airport have seized 42 live endangered lizards hidden in an air shipment from Australia, the government announced Wednesday.
The reptiles were discovered on Tuesday, concealed within a consignment falsely declared as containing dehumidifiers, air purifiers, and cans of milk powder. Authorities estimate the lizards’ market value at 210,000 Hong Kong dollars ($27,000).
The case has been referred to the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department for further investigation.
Strict Penalties for Wildlife Trafficking
Hong Kong has strict laws protecting endangered species. Anyone caught illegally importing, exporting, or possessing such specimens faces a maximum penalty of HK$10 million ($1.28 million) in fines and up to 10 years in prison, with the seized animals or plants being confiscated.
Growing Wildlife Smuggling Problem
In 2024 alone, Hong Kong authorities carried out approximately 550 seizures of endangered plant and animal species. Among the intercepted contraband were live orchids—one of the world’s most threatened plants—and American ginseng, which is classified as endangered in Canada.
Last September, a 45-year-old Chinese woman was sentenced to 18 months in prison for attempting to smuggle 64 endangered turtles into Hong Kong from Tokyo. Some of the turtles were wrapped in socks, while others were packed in small plastic containers.
Authorities continue to crack down on the illegal wildlife trade as Hong Kong remains a key transit hub for trafficked species.