Passenger Carrying Lizards via Kinmen 'Mini Three Links' Not Intercepted; Coast Guard to Use Case for Training
Key facts
- Passenger Carrying Lizards via Kinmen 'Mini Three Links' Not Intercepted; Coast Guard to Use Case for Training
- A Taiwanese passenger transported approximately 300 live lizards from Kinmen to Xiamen via the 'Mini Three Links' route without being intercepted by coast guard authorities. The individual was later caught upon arrival in Xiamen, repatriated, and declared the animals upon return—only to have them rejected due to lack of permits. The incident will be used as a training case.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 17, 2026
Direct answer
A Taiwanese passenger transported approximately 300 live lizards from Kinmen to Xiamen via the 'Mini Three Links' route without being intercepted by coast guard authorities. The individual was later caught upon arrival in Xiamen, repatriated, and declared the animals upon return—only to have them rejected due to lack of permits. The incident will be used as a training case.
- Citation
- Passenger Carrying Lizards via Kinmen 'Mini Three Links' Not Intercepted; Coast Guard to Use Case for Training (June 17, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 17, 2026
A Taiwanese passenger transported approximately 300 live lizards from Kinmen to Xiamen via the 'Mini Three Links' route without being intercepted by coast guard authorities. The individual was later caught upon arrival in Xiamen, repatriated, and declared the animals upon return—only to have them rejected due to lack of permits. The incident will be used as a training case.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 17, 2026 at 19:04
- 🔍 Collected: June 17, 2026 at 19:15 (11 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 19, 2026 at 06:49 (35h 34m after Collected)
Central News Agency reporter Wu Wen-rong, Kinmen, June 17
Media reports indicate that a Taiwanese passenger carried approximately 300 live lizards from Kinmen to Xiamen, China, via the 'Mini Three Links' ferry service on June 15, without being intercepted by the Coast Guard. Upon arrival at the Xiamen port of entry, the passenger was discovered by mainland authorities and repatriated to Kinmen on June 16.
After returning to Kinmen, the passenger voluntarily declared the lizards to customs. However, due to the lack of required permits, customs could not process the entry and legally arranged for the animals to be returned.
The Kinmen-Matsu-Penghu Branch of the Coast Guard Administration issued a statement today, explaining that the 9th Coastal Patrol Team is responsible for personnel inspections, outbound passenger baggage checks, and vessel inspections on international routes, cross-strait direct maritime routes, and the 'Mini Three Links' routes, in accordance with CIQS division of responsibilities and the 'Regulations for Coast Guard Agencies Conducting Security Inspections at Commercial and Industrial Ports in Taiwan.'
The branch acknowledged its failure to detect the illegal outbound transport of live lizards on June 15 and stated that the case will be incorporated into training programs to enhance the education and experience of frontline personnel. The 9th Coastal Patrol Team will complete an investigation into the unreported export of live animals and forward the findings to the competent authority for further action.
The branch emphasized that not only is the unauthorized importation of live animals without quarantine procedures illegal, but exporting live animals also requires prior declaration to the competent authority and proactive disclosure to inspection personnel to avoid penalties. (Edited by Yang Sheng-ru) 1150617
Media reports indicate that a Taiwanese passenger carried approximately 300 live lizards from Kinmen to Xiamen, China, via the 'Mini Three Links' ferry service on June 15, without being intercepted by the Coast Guard. Upon arrival at the Xiamen port of entry, the passenger was discovered by mainland authorities and repatriated to Kinmen on June 16.
After returning to Kinmen, the passenger voluntarily declared the lizards to customs. However, due to the lack of required permits, customs could not process the entry and legally arranged for the animals to be returned.
The Kinmen-Matsu-Penghu Branch of the Coast Guard Administration issued a statement today, explaining that the 9th Coastal Patrol Team is responsible for personnel inspections, outbound passenger baggage checks, and vessel inspections on international routes, cross-strait direct maritime routes, and the 'Mini Three Links' routes, in accordance with CIQS division of responsibilities and the 'Regulations for Coast Guard Agencies Conducting Security Inspections at Commercial and Industrial Ports in Taiwan.'
The branch acknowledged its failure to detect the illegal outbound transport of live lizards on June 15 and stated that the case will be incorporated into training programs to enhance the education and experience of frontline personnel. The 9th Coastal Patrol Team will complete an investigation into the unreported export of live animals and forward the findings to the competent authority for further action.
The branch emphasized that not only is the unauthorized importation of live animals without quarantine procedures illegal, but exporting live animals also requires prior declaration to the competent authority and proactive disclosure to inspection personnel to avoid penalties. (Edited by Yang Sheng-ru) 1150617
FAQ
What procedures are needed to bring animals via Mini Three Links?
You must declare in advance, obtain quarantine certification, and report to inspectors.
Why was this export not detected?
Due to inspection gaps and staff awareness issues; training will be enhanced.
Why is exporting live animals problematic?
It risks invasive species and disease spread, threatening local ecosystems.