Introduction

In a bizarre and distressing incident, Wan Yee Ng, a 41-year-old woman originally from China, pleaded guilty on Friday to attempting to smuggle 29 eastern box turtles—an endangered and protected species—across Lake Wallace in Vermont into Canada using an inflatable kayak.

The Incident

Ng was apprehended on the morning of June 28 when federal authorities caught her at an Airbnb in Canaan, just as she was preparing to launch her kayak with a suspicious duffle bag. This unusual smuggling attempt came to light following a tip from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who reported that two individuals, believed to be Ng and a man purportedly her husband, were paddling toward the U.S. from the Canadian side of the lake.

Discovery of Turtles

Upon investigation, border agents discovered 29 live eastern box turtles tightly wrapped in socks within her heavy duffle bag. Alarmingly, these turtles are fetching prices of up to $1,000 each on the Chinese black market, signifying a lucrative smuggling route.

Background and Intentions

Further inquiries revealed that Ng had been residing in Canada, where she reportedly planned to transport the turtles to Hong Kong for sale. Law enforcement seized her cellphone, which revealed communications detailing her smuggling intentions.

Legal Consequences

Ng has since pleaded guilty to one count of unlawfully attempting to export the turtles from the United States, violating federal law. As she awaits her sentencing in December, Ng faces a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years and fines reaching $250,000.

Conclusion

This incident raises serious concerns about wildlife trafficking and the protection of endangered species, reminding us of the ongoing battle against illegal wildlife trade that continues to threaten biodiversity. Authorities encourage anyone with information on similar smuggling activities to come forward to help protect vulnerable wildlife.