Wan Yee Ng, a 41-year-old woman from Hong Kong, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Vermont to attempting to smuggle 29 protected eastern box turtles from the United States into Canada. The eastern box turtles are a protected species in several states, including Vermont. Ng was caught red-handed by police as she was loading up her inflatable kayak to make the trek across Lake Wallace to Canada. Two other individuals suspected to be involved, including Ng’s husband, were also spotted paddling an inflatable watercraft from the Canadian side of the lake towards the U.S. Ng had wrapped the turtles in socks inside a duffle bag, which authorities found during her arrest.
According to an affidavit, Ng was arrested at an Airbnb in Canaan, Vermont on June 28. The investigation revealed that she had planned to smuggle the turtles into Canada so they could eventually be sold on the Chinese black market for $1,000 each. Ng’s cellphone was seized by police, showing evidence of her illegal activities. She pleaded guilty to unlawfully attempting to export and send the 29 eastern box turtles out of the United States, contrary to the law. Ng has been in custody since her arrest in June and will remain in custody until her sentencing. Her sentencing is scheduled for December 13, where she faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The eastern box turtles that Ng attempted to smuggle are part of a protected species in Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, and New Hampshire. These turtles are highly sought after on the Chinese black market due to their high value of $1,000 each. Ng was caught with the turtles wrapped in socks inside a duffle bag at the time of her arrest. Ng’s guilty plea to attempting to smuggle these turtles highlights the severity of the crime and its impacts on protected wildlife populations. The investigation into Ng’s activities revealed her intentions to profit from the illegal smuggling of these endangered turtles.
Ng’s arrest and guilty plea shed light on the illegal wildlife trafficking that occurs globally, including the smuggling of protected species such as eastern box turtles. The investigation into Ng’s activities revealed a potential link to the Chinese black market, where these turtles are highly prized. Her attempt to smuggle 29 eastern box turtles underscores the importance of protecting endangered species from illegal trafficking and exploitation. Ng’s sentencing in December will serve as a reminder of the consequences of wildlife smuggling and the need for stricter enforcement of laws protecting vulnerable species.
The illegal wildlife trade, particularly involving protected species such as the eastern box turtles, poses a significant threat to biodiversity and conservation efforts. Ng’s attempt to profit from the smuggling of these endangered turtles reflects a larger issue of exploitation and disregard for wildlife preservation. Her guilty plea and upcoming sentencing offer a glimpse into the repercussions faced by individuals involved in such illicit activities. The severity of Ng’s crime and the potential for a lengthy prison sentence highlight the importance of enforcing laws and regulations to protect endangered species from exploitation and trafficking.
