China rescues 620 smuggled turtles and tortoises

Frontier police in south China have seized 620 turtles and tortoises, including 510 under state protection, smuggled from Vietnam.

The police said they heard "creeping sounds" when inspecting a truck supposedly carrying frozen seafood in Fangchenggang City in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Aug. 24.

Fifteen cartons on the truck were found to contain endangered species including Indochinese box turtles and elongated tortoises. They were destined for Guangdong, where endangered turtles are sold on the black markets as delicacies.

The police have transferred the turtles to forestry authorities. Endi