DETROIT – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) says a Windsor, Ontario, man has been intercepted at the Ambassador Bridge attempting to smuggle more than 70 live turtles and tortoises into Canada.
On July 6, a 22-year-old man arrived at the Ambassador Bridge and was referred for a secondary inspection.
While examining the vehicle, border services officers found two boxes containing live turtles and tortoises hidden within a storage compartment normally used for stowing the vehicle's seats.
The man, Xin Hong Tong, was arrested and charged with non-report, making false statements, attempting to evade payment of duties and taxes and smuggling contrary to the Customs Act.
Environment Canada was contacted and enforcement officers took custody of the animals. They continue to investigate with further charges pending under the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act.