On the 21st, Mexico’s environmental authorities seized 121 turtles and 16 frogs from checked luggage at Mexico City International Airport on a flight bound for Narita, Japan. The animals were found in two suitcases, with some wrapped in socks. Several of the species are protected under the CITES agreement (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), and authorities plan to file criminal charges against the male passenger for attempted smuggling.
According to officials, an X-ray inspection revealed unusually shaped objects inside the suitcases. Among the seized animals were 53 narrow-bridged musk turtles, a species that requires special permits for international trade under CITES. All but one of the animals were found alive.
Authorities have not disclosed the man’s nationality and plan to investigate how he obtained the animals and his motives for smuggling them.
Viewer Comments:
I’m surprised they didn’t die during the trip—are they okay?
A gift wrapped in socks—maybe he’s actually Santa Claus.
Well, they don’t have passports, so of course they can’t board a plane.
Comment