A bag containing 22 live star tortoises was found in the boot of a car at Woodlands Checkpoint last Thursday (June 23).
The Singapore-registered car was driven by a 49-year-old Singaporean man. Officers uncovered the reptiles during inspection of the vehicle.
The tortoises were in a bag and placed among bags of groceries in the boot of the car.
The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) was alerted and the tortoises were handed over to it.
The driver is assisting with investigations.
Wildlife Reserves Singapore is caring for the star tortoises.
They are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species in Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites), of which Singapore is a signatory.
Under the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act, the import and export or re-export of star tortoises require Cites permits. Offenders in violation of this Act can be fined up to $50,000 per animal, up to a total of $500,000. They may also face a jail term of up to two years.
xiuhuil@sph.com.sg
