On March 4, customs agents at the Hong Kong International Airport seized 42 endangered live lizards valued at around $210,000 Hong Kong Dollars, or $27,000 USD,  in the illegal wildlife trading industry. The official press release from the Hong Kong Customs and Excise department states that the lizards were kept hidden in various objects including, “dehumidifiers, air purifiers and milk powder cans.” Should the person behind this illegal endeavor be found, they could face a maximum fine of $10 million Hong Kong Dollars, approximately 1.3 million USD,  and even a 10 year prison sentence. In the year 2024 alone, Hong Kong customs officials at that airport seized 550 various endangered plants and animals smuggled into the country illegally. 

Sadly, this problem is not limited to any single region on Earth. As reported by the Wildlife Conservation Society, global illegal wildlife trafficking generates money “estimated to be between $4.2 billion and $9.5 billion per year.” This industry is the “fourth largest global illegal trade after narcotics, human trafficking, and counterfeit products.” Though it is a daunting task, agencies in every country around the world dedicate themselves to limiting this harmful trade as much as possible. Legislation in Hong Kong has been amended to include the illegal wildlife trade in the preexisting Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance, or OSCO. Through this law, people found guilty of illegal wildlife trading in Hong Kong will receive prolonged prison sentences and increased fines. The hope is that by imposing serious punishments for these offences, people will hesitate to engage in organized smuggling operations.