Hong Kong airport authorities arrested a man smuggling a crocodile, six snakes, 46 turtles and tortoises and 11 flying squirrels in his luggage, the government said

HONG KONG, China; January 12, 2007.- The man was apparently trying to spirit the live animals into China from Thailand, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said in a statement late on Tuesday. It did not give the man’s name or say where he was from.

The crocodile discovered in his bag late on Monday was identified as a highly endangered species. He was also transporting three keeled land tortoises, black pond turtles, radiated tortoises and true tortoises — all endangered species.

On Tuesday, a court fined the man HK$16,000 (US$2,052) and sentenced him to six months imprisonment, suspended for two years for failing to have a permit or health certification. (US$1 = HK$7.79)

(Reuters)

 

Enlaces Relacionados

• NY AIRPORT TO GET RID OF CATS DESPITE OUTCRY
• JAPANESE MARINE PARK CAPTURES RARE SHARK ON FILM
• BONES, FURS OF RARE ANIMALS FOUND IN CHINESE FLAT
• RARE US JAGUAR CAUGHT, RELEASED IN ARIZONA
• AIRPORT PROJECT THREATENS RARE HONG KONG DOLPHINS – GROUP WARNS