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Trafficking of all kinds, especially human trafficking, is a serious concern for law enforcement agencies. In addition to the horrors of human trafficking, criminals may engage in animal smuggling, using everything from boats to trucks and airplanes. In one such case, police arrested a woman smuggling 29 turtles from the United States to Canada. However, rather than 

Wan Yee Ng tried her hand at smuggling Eastern box turtles from the U.S. into Canada– by kayak

As silly as it might sound, turtles are a popular target for animal trafficking. Smugglers can use a variety of means to traffick the animals, from small boats to trucks. However, in Wan Yee Ng’s case, a kayak seemed like the best way to transport and traffick turtles.

The 41-year-old Hong Kong woman individually wrapped 29 Eastern box turtles in socks and placed them in a duffle bag. She then attempted to transport the turtle tote across Lake Wallace from Vermont to Canada using an inflatable kayak. But don’t think tiny electric motor or some other powered solution; Wan Yee Ng wanted to paddle past suspicion. 

You might think Ng’s plan to silently and subtly paddle a boat without an engine from her origin to her destination was crafty. However, it didn’t stop law enforcement from catching her in the act. And good thing they did; the Eastern box turtle is a protected species.

The New York Times reports that American law enforcement agents detained Ng in Vermont after receiving information from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Fortunately, the arresting officials noticed the bag containing 29 turtles Ng planned to transport across the lake.

Most recently, Ng pleaded guilty in the smuggling case. Consequently, she faces up to 10 years in prison for her animal trafficking crimes.

All joking and jesting aside, turtle trafficking is a serious concern. According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the USFWS recovered over 200 Easter box turtles from smuggling efforts in South Carolina. Unfortunately, the turtles are routine targets for animal traffickers. The reason? Well, the Eastern box turtle is a popular pet prospect in Asian markets, like China.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).