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Munich Airport Customs Seize Seven Protected Tortoises Found in Suitcase

Authorities cite missing CITES permits as grounds for a criminal case.

Overview

  • Officers discovered the Tunisian land tortoises during a Saturday baggage inspection at Munich Airport.
  • One animal was wrapped in adhesive tape and aluminum foil, and all were confined in empty ice-cream tubs without food or water.
  • Customs seized the reptiles and transferred them to the Reptilienauffangstation München for veterinary care.
  • The species is strictly protected under CITES and EU regulations, which bar import without proper documentation.
  • The Zollfahndungsamt München has taken over the investigation into the traveler, according to spokesman Thomas Meister of the Hauptzollamt München.