Man Discovers Unique Method to Smuggle Turtle Through Airport

Authorities encountered an unusual smuggling attempt when a man from Pennsylvania was caught at an airport trying to carry a live turtle hidden in his trousers.

Last Friday at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, a security check revealed something hidden in the groin region of a Pennsylvania man, setting off alarms during a body scan, according to TSA's report.

Upon further inspection, a TSA officer conducted a pat-down, which confirmed suspicious concealment. The officer asked the East Stroudsburg man if he had anything hidden. He then retrieved a live turtle, wrapped snugly in a small blue towel, from the front of his pants.

The creature was identified as a red-eared slider turtle, an especially popular pet variety in the U.S., and measured about five inches in length.

Officials from the Port Authority Police detained the individual, retrieved the reptile, and stated intentions to notify the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service alongside local animal control.

The man was unable to board his flight and was subsequently removed from the checkpoint by law enforcement.

Thomas Carter, who serves as TSA's Federal Security Director in New Jersey, remarked that this was the first instance he could recall where someone attempted to smuggle a live animal through security in such a manner.

Carter praised the officer’s professionalism during the pat-down and mentioned that, while it is not uncommon for travelers to conceal weapons in luggage or clothing, trying to hide a live turtle in one's pants was unprecedented. Fortunately, the turtle did not appear to have been harmed during the incident.