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Wednesday, 10 January 2007, 12:28 GMT

Hong Kong animal smuggler held

Cobra snake (file image) A man with a suitcase full of rare and endangered animals including a live crocodile and 46 turtles and tortoises has been arrested at Hong Kong airport.

His bag was also found to contain six snakes and 11 flying squirrels, Hong Kong authorities said.

The man, who was travelling from Thailand, was charged with illegally importing animals and fined 16,000 Hong Kong dollars (£1,000).

The unnamed man was also given a six-month suspended sentence.

Highly-endangered

A special import permit and health certification are needed to bring reptiles, birds and mammals into or through Hong Kong.

The crocodile was identified as a highly-endangered species, the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said in a statement.

Among the reptiles were black pond turtles, three-keeled land tortoises, radiated tortoises and true tortoises, all of which are endangered species.

The animals were intended to reach mainland China where they may have been used for food or traditional medicine.




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Related to this story:
New wildlife trade curbs sought (04 Oct 04 |  Science/Nature )
Thai campaign targets animal lovers (21 Sep 04 |  Asia-Pacific )
Rare tortoises escape hand-luggage hell (27 Aug 03 |  South Asia )
Drugs fuel illegal animal trade (17 Jun 02 |  Science/Nature )
Animal smuggling 'earns billions' (07 Jul 99 |  UK News )

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
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