Taiwan seizes 5.3 tons of endangered turtle plastrons in rare smuggling bust

Taiwanese authorities have intercepted a massive smuggling operation involving critically endangered Amur box turtle plastrons. The haul, weighing 5.3 metric tons and comprising 121 boxes, is valued at over NT$20 million (approximately $640,000 USD) on the black market.

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The turtle plastrons seized this time reached 5.3 metric tons. If calculated by the weight of plastron that a single turtle can provide, the number of wild turtles slaughtered behind this could reach tens of thousands.

The discovery was made by the National Police Agency's Third Special Police Corps and the Keelung Customs Administration during a routine cargo inspection. Officials found the boxes suspicious and, upon opening them, discovered a large quantity of what appeared to be turtle plastrons. Subsequent professional identification by National Pingtung University of Science and Technology confirmed the items were plastrons from the Amur box turtle, a species listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Smugglers attempted to profit from the high demand for turtle plastrons in the traditional Chinese medicine market, particularly for products like Guilu Erxian Jiao. Authorities estimate that the 5.3 tons of plastrons seized represent the slaughter of tens of thousands of wild turtles, causing severe damage to global wild populations and ecosystems. The individuals involved face legal action under the Wildlife Conservation Act, with potential penalties including up to five years in prison and fines up to NT$1.5 million.

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Turtle plastrons are common traditional Chinese medicine ingredients for making Guilu Erxian Jiao. Please do not purchase medicines with unknown ingredients and suspicious sources.

Authorities are urging the public to avoid purchasing traditional medicines with unknown or suspicious origins. Illegally smuggled wildlife products may carry risks of heavy metals, infectious diseases, or harmful substances. Consumers seeking traditional Chinese medicine are advised to patronize licensed pharmacies and verify product authenticity to ensure their health and safety. The police are committed to strengthening border controls and combating cross-border smuggling.

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Illegally smuggled wildlife products have not undergone legal quarantine by the competent authorities and may contain heavy metals, unknown infectious diseases, or harmful drugs, posing a high risk to health and safety.