Filipino Man Jailed 30 Months for Smuggling 63 Endangered Turtles into Hong Kong

2025-03-28 18:30 Last Updated At：18:38

Man sentenced to 30 months' imprisonment for illegally importing and causing cruelty to endangered turtles

A 38-year-old Filipino man who smuggled 63 endangered turtles into Hong Kong was convicted and sentenced to 30 months' imprisonment today (March 28) for violating the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169).

The male traveller transiting to the Philippines arrived at Hong Kong International Airport from Malaysia on March 31 last year. During transit, Customs found 63 live suspected scheduled endangered turtles in his three pieces of check-in baggage. Officers of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) were summoned to the scene and found that all the turtles had been wrapped with a layer of cloth and then a layer of transparent plastic wrap, or wrapped directly with a transparent plastic wrap, rendering them unable to freely stretch and move their limbs. There was also no food, water or moisturising materials in the baggage.

Upon inspection, the turtles were identified as 49 radiated tortoises (Astrochelys radiata) and 14 batagurs (Batagur baska), which are endangered species listed in Appendix I and Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, respectively, and regulated locally under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance. Both species are listed as Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.

The man was charged with illegal import of an Appendix I species, illegal import of an Appendix II species and cruelty to animals. He was convicted at the District Court and was sentenced to 30 months behind bars today.

According to 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 offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.

Also, according to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, any person by unreasonably doing or omitting to do any act, causes any unnecessary suffering to any animal commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for three years upon conviction.

A spokesman for the AFCD stressed, "The Government is committed to protecting endangered species and safeguarding animal welfare. The AFCD will remain vigilant and continue to monitor and combat illegal activities involving endangered species and animal cruelty."

Members of the public may call 1823 to report any suspected irregularities to the AFCD and visit the AFCD website: www.cites.hk regarding the control of endangered species in Hong Kong.

Guangdong and Hong Kong Celebrate 60 Years of Dongjiang Water Supply with Commemoration Ceremony and Art Exhibition.

2025-03-31 23:14 Last Updated At：04-01 00:08

Guangdong and Hong Kong governments celebrate 60th anniversary of Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong

The governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong today (March 31) held the Commemoration Ceremony of the 60th Anniversary of Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong and the Launching Ceremony of Dancing Water Drops Exhibition at the Central Government Offices, Tamar, to celebrate this remarkable and important occasion.

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee; the Governor of Guangdong Province, Mr Wang Weizhong; the Minister of Water Resources, Mr Li Guoying; the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government (LOCPG) in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Zheng Yanxiong; Member of the Office Leadership of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Mr Xiang Bin; the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; Deputy Director of the LOCPG in the HKSAR Mr Qi Bin; Vice-Governor of Guangdong Province Mr Zhang Shaokang; the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn; and the Mayor of the Shenzhen Municipal Government, Mr Qin Weizhong, officiated at the ceremony.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Lee said that the country has been providing Hong Kong with reliable and stable supply of Dongjiang water over the past 60 years. Currently accounting for about 70 to 80 per cent of the fresh water consumption in Hong Kong, Dongjiang water supports the sustainable economic development of Hong Kong, and nourishes the citizens, allowing them to live and work in a better place. Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong is not only a water engineering project, but also an epitome of the strong blood ties between the country and Hong Kong. He said that Hong Kong citizens will cherish the country's care and express their gratitude by making greater contributions to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Mr Wang said that, over the past 60 years, Guangdong has been resolutely implementing the strategic decisions of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and has made it a priority to ensure the safety of water supply to Hong Kong, guaranteeing stable supply of high-quality Dongjiang water to Hong Kong. Standing at a new starting point, Guangdong will always stay true to the aspirations of General Secretary Xi Jinping, and will fully, faithfully and resolutely implement the principle of "one country, two systems", and effectively manage the Dongjiang-Shenzhen Water Supply Scheme. This will ensure that Hong Kong citizens continue to have access to safe and high-quality water, providing strong support for the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

Mr Li said that, over the past 60 years, the Ministry of Water Resources has resolutely implemented General Secretary Xi Jinping's water regulating approach of "Prioritising water conservation, Balancing spatial distribution, Taking systematic approaches, Promoting government-market synergy". Under the sincere care of the Central Authorities, the quantity and quality of water supply to Hong Kong and emergency support capabilities have been continuously enhanced. The Ministry of Water Resources will strengthen co-operation on water resources with the HKSAR Government on all fronts, and will continue to enhance the water safety security system in the Greater Bay Area while ensuring stable, safe and quality water supply to Hong Kong.

A lighting ceremony for the Dancing Water Drops Exhibition was also held at the event. The large-scale art installations exhibition was specially created by internationally acclaimed artist Simon Ma in celebration of the 60th anniversary of Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong. The display of water drop-shaped installations of various sizes symbolises the vitality that Dongjiang water brings to Hong Kong and social inclusion. The setting and number of water drop-shaped installations will vary at different stages of the exhibition period from April to June. Installations for the first stage include an 18.8-metre-tall water drop-shaped installation and over 100 small never-fall water drop-shaped installations, which will be on display from tomorrow (April 1). The highlight of the exhibition is a 28.8-metre-tall giant water drop-shaped art installation. It is by far the largest of its kind among similar exhibitions and will be on display for the first time in May. The exhibition will be held from tomorrow to June 13 at Tamar Park and the Central and Western District Promenade (Central Section).

In addition to the Dancing Water Drops Exhibition, a series of activities in celebration of the 60th anniversary of Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong have been held under the theme "Dongjiang River - An Inseparable Bond, Our Blessed Origin" since September last year. These activities included a roving exhibition, thematic talks and Mainland study tours. Upcoming celebration activities will be the International Water Pioneers Summit, which will be held tomorrow, and a study tour on national water engineering projects, culture and technology, which will be held within this year.