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BOC asks HK to probe consignee of sea turtles, black corals


The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has asked the Hongkong government to investigate the consignee of shipments of endangered marine species that were intercepted and seized last May 1. The bureau’s Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) requested for a background check on King Success Trading, which holds offices at the ground floor of 68 Queens Road in Hong Kong’s Wan Chai district. “Based on the intelligence information that we have gathered, the Zamboanga-based company Lim and Li Trading… was exporting marine products to King Success Trading," ESS director Nestorio Gualberto said. Gualberto said the BOC wants to know “if King Success Trading is in possession of marine products that are in violation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) particularly if there are black corals and sea turtles inside its premises." Five local traders have been charged before the Department of Justice (DOJ) for trying to smuggle P35 million worth of sea turtles and black corals out of the country. Two 20-foot container vans containing the marine contraband were shipped from Cotabato and landed at the Eva Macapagal Terminal, South Harbor, Manila City last May 1. The container vans were loaded with 163 stuffed hawkbills and green turtles, 21,169 pieces of black corals, 196 kilograms of sea whips and 7,340 pieces of Trumpet and Helmet shells. — ELR/VS, GMA News

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