AUTHORITIES at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 intercepted 50 Indian Star Tortoises from a Malaysian traveler who smuggled the live reptiles from Bangkok, Thailand, on June 12, 2026.
Bureau of Customs (BOC) officials said the interception began when personnel conducted a routine x-ray screening of the passenger’s luggage and detected suspicious contents.
Upon manual inspection, they discovered the live tortoises concealed inside the baggage. PNP Aviation Security Group and NAIA Police Station 1 operatives provided perimeter security, while personnel from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) assisted the BOC in the initial investigation.
Authorities said the passenger failed to present the necessary permits and transport documents for the wildlife specimens and could not provide any valid authorization.
The reptiles were later turned over to the DENR for transfer to the Wildlife Rescue Center in Quezon City for proper care and disposition.
Meanwhile, appropriate charges are being prepared against the suspect for alleged violations of Republic Act (RA) 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, and RA 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
