Defendant pleads guilty in China's landmark invasive species trial

China's first criminal case involving the illegal introduction of invasive species was publicly tried in Zhuhai Intermediate People's Court in Guangdong province on Wednesday, according to China Central Television.

The case dates back to Oct 21, 2022, when the defendant, identified only by the surname Yi, attempted to drive from Hong Kong into Chinese mainland via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge without declaring a batch of turtles to customs.

Customs officers inspected Yi's vehicle and discovered 1,760 Brazilian red-eared slider turtles, an invasive species, valued at approximately 88,000 yuan ($12,000). Yi failed to provide the necessary quarantine approval documents.

The prosecution charged Yi with the crime of illegally introducing invasive species. During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence, while Yi and their defense counsel cross-examined the witnesses. Both sides presented their arguments under the supervision of the judge. Yi made a final statement and pleaded guilty.

The court adjourned the trial and will announce the verdict at a later date.