Passenger Carrying Lizards via Kinmen 'Mini Three Links' Not Intercepted; Coast Guard to Use Case for Training

Central News Agency reporter Wu Wen-rong, Kinmen, June 17

Media reports indicate that a Taiwanese passenger carried approximately 300 live lizards from Kinmen to Xiamen, China, via the 'Mini Three Links' ferry service on June 15, without being intercepted by the Coast Guard. Upon arrival at the Xiamen port of entry, the passenger was discovered by mainland authorities and repatriated to Kinmen on June 16.

After returning to Kinmen, the passenger voluntarily declared the lizards to customs. However, due to the lack of required permits, customs could not process the entry and legally arranged for the animals to be returned.

The Kinmen-Matsu-Penghu Branch of the Coast Guard Administration issued a statement today, explaining that the 9th Coastal Patrol Team is responsible for personnel inspections, outbound passenger baggage checks, and vessel inspections on international routes, cross-strait direct maritime routes, and the 'Mini Three Links' routes, in accordance with CIQS division of responsibilities and the 'Regulations for Coast Guard Agencies Conducting Security Inspections at Commercial and Industrial Ports in Taiwan.'

The branch acknowledged its failure to detect the illegal outbound transport of live lizards on June 15 and stated that the case will be incorporated into training programs to enhance the education and experience of frontline personnel. The 9th Coastal Patrol Team will complete an investigation into the unreported export of live animals and forward the findings to the competent authority for further action.

The branch emphasized that not only is the unauthorized importation of live animals without quarantine procedures illegal, but exporting live animals also requires prior declaration to the competent authority and proactive disclosure to inspection personnel to avoid penalties. (Edited by Yang Sheng-ru) 1150617