Ng Yee Wan’s attempt to smuggle 29 eastern box turtles into Canada using an inflatable kayak highlights the ongoing and illegal trafficking of protected species across borders.
The turtles were discovered in Ng's duffel bag where Border Patrol agents noticed moving socks, revealing the illegal activity. The turtles are at risk from threats like the illegal pet trade.
According to the Turtle Survival Alliance, eastern box turtles are a protected species, making their unsanctioned export illegal. Ng’s actions underline the serious threats they face.
Statistics show that between 1998 and 2021, over 24,000 freshwater turtles from the U.S. were intercepted in illegal trade, emphasizing the scale of this issue.
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