MANILA, Philippines — Customs authorities at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) intercepted 50 live endangered tortoises concealed in the luggage of a Malaysian passenger arriving from Bangkok.
The discovery was made after the passenger’s baggage was flagged during routine x-ray screening and subsequently marked for further inspection by customs authorities.
A physical examination of the luggage revealed dozens of live tortoises carefully hidden inside the baggage in an apparent attempt to evade detection.
Authorities identified the animals as Radiated Tortoises and Indian Star Tortoises, both protected species covered by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Customs personnel documented and inventoried the animals before they were turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
