304 Live Animals, Including Geckos, Smuggled via Kinmen's Small Three Links; Maximum Fine of NT$3 Million

(Central News Agency reporter Wu Wen-rong, Kinmen, June 18) A Taiwanese national surnamed Hsing was intercepted yesterday upon arrival in Kinmen from Xiamen, China via the 'Small Three Links' passenger route, with live animals including geckos concealed in his luggage. Kaohsiung Customs announced that illegal importation of live animals violates regulations such as the Animal Infectious Disease Control Act, and importers may face up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to NT$3 million.

The Kaohsiung Customs Administration under the Ministry of Finance's Customs Administration issued a press release today stating that the domestic passenger, Mr. Hsing, arriving from Xiamen to Kinmen, attempted to enter the country by concealing live animals in his carry-on luggage. Joint inspection by customs and the Coast Guard Administration uncovered approximately 304 live animals, including geckos, inside the suitcase. The case will be referred to the competent authorities for further legal proceedings.

Kaohsiung Customs emphasized that illegal importation of live animals violates multiple laws, including the Wildlife Conservation Act, the Animal Infectious Disease Control Act, and the Customs Anti-Smuggling Regulations. The seized animals will either be confiscated and destroyed or transferred to the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency under the Ministry of Agriculture for custody and proper handling. The importer may face up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to NT$3 million.

The agency warned that bringing live animals into the country could disrupt ecological balance and pose serious threats to wildlife conservation and environmental protection. Moreover, wild animals may carry pathogens such as parasites, bacteria, or viruses, increasing the risk of zoonotic diseases and animal epidemics, thereby endangering public health, the livestock industry, and biosecurity.

Kaohsiung Customs urged the public to be aware of regulations regarding the import and export of live animals and to declare such items truthfully to avoid legal consequences. Passengers with questions about declaration requirements are advised to consult customs officers before inspection and must not attempt to evade regulations through侥幸 (侥幸 means侥幸 in Chinese, but in English context, it means 'gambling on luck'). (Edited by Lin Shu-hui) 1150618