Get Heavy Penalty For Illegal Possession of Endangered Species in Singapore

While there are many unlawful sales of endangered species all over the world, but it is definitely not happening in Singapore as there is a signed agreement with Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). A permit is required for the import and export/re-export of animals to and from Singapore while illegal possession, trade in or import is a fineable offence in Singapore.

If found guilty, the offender shall be fine to a maximum of $50,000 per specimen (not to exceed an aggregate of $500,000) and/or jail term of up to 2 years.

Case Study

Ong Ming Siang, 33 was fined $41,000 for possession of illegal wildlife on 6th February 2014 after a public tip off. Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) conducted an inspection at his HDB flat and seized 32 wild animals on 3rd June 2013. Under the 32 wildlife animals under his possession, 19 animals were classified as endangered species under CITES. This was so far the biggest seizure of illegal wildlife from a home in 11 years and it was also the largest fine meted out for the offence. The endangered animals seized was three rare ball pythons, two Indian star tortoises, a slow loris, three black-tailed prairie dogs, two sailfin dragons and five ornate horned frogs.

Source
Endangered Species (Import & Export) Act
Wild Animals and Birds Act  
The Straits Times
Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA)