Endangered Turtles Discovered in Black Market Scandal

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The issue of environmental crime can take place anywhere at anytime. Luckily, there are people out there who help stop such crimes from happening and reverse any potential damage that may have been caused. Or, to keep the issue from getting any worse, they are actively involved in preventative measures as well as educational outreach for the general public. One agency in particular recently got involved in a smuggling event regarding an airport in the Philippines that led them to discover suitcases filled with live exotic animals.

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Photo from https://www.kjrh.com/news/national/more-than-1-500-live-turtles-found-duct-taped-and-stuffed-in-suitcases?fbclid=IwAR2qox8aWrhrYKErNnpUEWgdwZpVg_TFCXVYWHDzMiQOXTkqcOC5RP00s8s\
The officers of the Bureau of Customs in the Philippines recovered a number of suitcases that were hastily abandoned at Manila's Ninoy Aquino Airport. These suitcases, which had been smuggled onto a flight from Hong Kong, held more than 1,500 live turtles. Of the many turtles found, three of the species, the star tortoise, red-foot tortoise and African spurred tortoise, are listed by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) as vulnerable. The fourth species, red-eared slider turtle, is a common household pet sold around the world. 

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Photo from https://www.kjrh.com/news/national/more-than-1-500-live-turtles-found-duct-taped-and-stuffed-in-suitcases?fbclid=IwAR2qox8aWrhrYKErNnpUEWgdwZpVg_TFCXVYWHDzMiQOXTkqcOC5RP00s8s\

When added together, the turtles were worth approximately $87,000 US dollars (4.5 million Philippine pesos), which led the Bureau to believe they were most likely trying to be sold.  Although the black market is highly illegal, it is unfortunately just as profitable. Due to this, both the Hong Kong and Philippine governments have hefty fines and lengthy jail sentences for those found with any endangered species. These repercussions are used to intercept but also deter people from engaging in such crimes. 

If you would like to read more about this incident and the issue of the black market on wildlife related to Hong Kong and other areas across the world, here are some links!

https://www.kjrh.com/news/national/more-than-1-500-live-turtles-found-duct-taped-and-stuffed-in-suitcases?fbclid=IwAR2qox8aWrhrYKErNnpUEWgdwZpVg_TFCXVYWHDzMiQOXTkqcOC5RP00s8s

https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/27/asia/golden-coin-turtle-hong-kong-intl/index.html

https://www.newsweek.com/2014/11/07/extinctcom-280884.html

More information about environmental crimes, as well as laws and policies in place to help the issue, will be coming in future blogs!


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