This is the moment two women are caught smuggling 68 live turtles under their skirts at a border crossing.
The incident took place at Wenjin Port, China, where customs officers made the discovery while inspecting passengers entering the country on 21st October.
According to a statement from Wenjin Port Customs, officers noticed one woman wearing a loose skirt and appearing “stiff” as she entered through the “nothing to declare” channel.
They intercepted her and found 39 live dwarf mud turtles tied to her thighs with black tights and hidden under her skirt.
About five minutes later, another female passenger was stopped, and a further 29 live turtles were discovered concealed in the same way.
In total, customs seized 68 turtles that were later identified by experts as African dwarf mud turtles (Pelusios nanus).
Officials confirmed the reptiles are not naturally found in China and are considered an alien species.
The case has since been handed over to the customs anti-smuggling department for further investigation.
Video released by customs shows the moment officers stopped the women and began inspecting the concealed animals.
Authorities reminded travellers that under China’s Biosafety Law and the Law on Import and Export Animal and Plant Quarantine, it is illegal to introduce alien species without approval or to carry or mail live animals or plants into the country.
They warned that anyone violating these laws will be held accountable according to national regulations.
To find out more about the author, editor or agency that supplied this story – please click below. Story By: Joseph Golder, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: newsX
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