by Alex Nuti-de Biasi, for the Journal-Opinion
A Hong Kong woman has been accused of attempting to smuggle eastern box turtles from Vermont into Quebec across a lake straddling the border.
Authorities say Wan Yee Ng, 41, of Hong Kong repeatedly rented the same property on the American shore of Lake Wallace near Beecher Falls while her husband rented a property on the Canadian side of the lake.
In June, Ng, was observed preparing an inflatable kayak while Canadian authorities learned that two people had set off in an inflatable craft from their side paddling toward the United States.
Before she could set off from shore, Ng was detained by U.S. Border Patrol for suspected smuggling. Agents said they found 29 turtles individually wrapped in socks to protect their shells and restrict movement.
“Turtles with colorful markings are especially prized in the domestic and foreign pet trade market, particularly in China and Hong Kong,” stated a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Burlington. “These animals are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, an international agreement to protect fish, wildlife and plants that are or may become threatened with extinction.”
Last week, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Ng for attempted smuggling. She faces 10 years in prison.
For more information, see the first article published by VDC on the topic: Reported Turtle smuggler bagged (July 1, 2024)