More Than 1,500 Turtles Were Found Duct Taped Inside 4 Unclaimed Suitcases at Airport
You’d think with all the technology installed in airports, more people would be deterred from trying to smuggle illegal goods through. It’s hassle enough to get through TSA even when you don’t have any banned items on you.
The call of a fat paycheck still tempts some, though, and recently a wide array of turtles were discovered crammed into luggage that was left at an airport in Manila, Philippines.
Originating from Hong Kong, the suitcases contained $87,000 worth of turtles, according to PIX11. The reptiles had been duct-taped, ostensibly to keep them from shifting around and clawing through their containment.
“1,529 live exotic turtles were apprehended and turned over by Bureau of Customs NAIA to DENR Wildlife Traffic Monitoring Unit (DENR-WTMU) on March 3, 2019 at the NAIA Terminal 2, Pasay City,” the Bureau of Customs NAIA posted.
“The 1,529 live turtles (Star Tortoise, Redfoot Tortoise, Sulcata Tortoise, Red-eared Slider live species ) were found inside the left-behind luggage of a certain arriving Filipino passenger from flight PR 311 Hong Kong.”
Some were packed into cardboard boxes, others were taped into plastic storage containers with holes drilled in the sides and top.
Still others were duct-taped and wrapped in clothes inside the luggage.
“Our staff were taking care not to hurt them because duct tape was used to immobilize the turtles,” Carmelita Talusan, customs chief at the airport, said according to NowThis.
While one species of turtle was the fairly well-known and common red-eared slider, three others were listed as “vulnerable” and possession would have earned a hefty fine of up to $1.3 million dollars in Hong Kong.
Of course, that hasn’t stopped some black market entrepreneurs from trying their hand at smuggling, though the Bureau of Customs has a theory as to why these four suitcases of reptiles were never picked up.
“The passenger may have been informed of the vigilance of Bureau of Customs against illegal wildlife trade and its penalties, thus leaving the four (4) X-Rayed luggage unclaimed in the arrival area,” their post continued.
“Illegal Wildlife Trading is a violation of RA 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act) and RA 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act).”
The post continued to explain that in 2018 alone, “250 geckos, 254 corals and other reptiles” were discovered in shipments, in baggage, and in other forms of transportation. In 2019 so far, their count has included chameleons, bearded dragons and iguanas.
Thankfully, these critters were discovered and given over to the proper authorities, where they will hopefully find better care and be kept off of the black market.
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