VIETNAMNET (Hanoi, Vietnam) 29 July 08 Record wildlife trafficking case - Boxes containing snakes and turtles (Thanh Van)
Customs officers and the Environmental Police Agency on July 26 stopped a truck attempting to traffic wild animals – the largest amount discovered so far this year in Vietnam.
A truck carrying over 2,100 colubers totalling 2,024kg and 524 turtles of various species totalling 770kg was seized in the northern coastal province of Quang Ninh. It was on its way to China through the Mong Cai border gate on July 25.
The truck was escorted to Hanoi the next day. The batch of wildlife is estimated at $70,000. The driver said he paid $15,000 for the reptiles.
The snakes and turtles were transferred to the Wildlife Rescue Centre in Hanoi’s suburban district of Soc Son.
Police are investigating the case.
Record wildlife trafficking case