Wan Yee Ng, a 41-year-old woman from Hong Kong living in Canada, was caught red-handed trying to smuggle 29 protected Eastern box turtles across a Vermont lake into Canada by kayak. Border Patrol agents found the turtles individually wrapped in socks in Ng’s duffle bag as she was loading up an inflatable boat at an Airbnb in Canaan, Vt. Ngs cell phone records reportedly showed she intended to sell the reptiles in Hong Kong, where Eastern box turtles sell for $1,000 each on the black market. Ng’s husband and another person were also involved in the smuggling attempt, paddling a kayak from the Canadian side of Lake Wallace toward the US.
Ng pleaded guilty in US District Court to a single count of attempting to smuggle Eastern box turtles, a protected species in Vermont and some other states, from the US to Canada. Her sentencing is scheduled for December, where she faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police notified the US authorities about Ng’s activities, leading to her apprehension while trying to transport the protected turtles. Ng’s involvement in the smuggling attempt highlights the illegal trade in rare and protected species, driven by high demand in countries like China.
The case of Wan Yee Ng serves as a reminder of the illegal wildlife trade operating globally, with protected species like the Eastern box turtle being targeted for sale on the black market. Ng’s actions demonstrate the lengths to which smugglers will go to profit from trafficking endangered animals, risking legal consequences in the process. The presence of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and US Border Patrol agents highlights the collaboration between law enforcement agencies in combating wildlife smuggling across international borders.
Ng’s guilty plea and upcoming sentencing reflect the seriousness with which authorities are addressing wildlife trafficking offenses, particularly involving protected species. The potential penalties Ng faces, including a lengthy prison term and substantial fine, underscore the gravity of her actions and the need to deter others from engaging in similar activities. The involvement of Ng’s husband and another individual in the smuggling attempt underscores the network of individuals often involved in illegal wildlife trade, necessitating coordinated efforts to combat such criminal activities.
The case of Wan Yee Ng highlights the ongoing need for increased awareness, enforcement, and penalties to address the illegal trade in protected species. Ng’s attempt to smuggle Eastern box turtles for sale in Hong Kong underscores the lucrative nature of wildlife trafficking and the need for stronger regulations and international cooperation to combat this illegal activity. Ng’s sentencing in December will serve as a crucial moment in holding her accountable for her actions and sending a message to others involved in wildlife smuggling that such activities will not be tolerated. The collaboration between US and Canadian law enforcement agencies in apprehending Ng exemplifies the importance of cross-border cooperation in combating transnational wildlife crime.
