Endangered turtles seized in apparent bid to smuggle into Japan

Environmental regulation authorities on Friday seized 121 turtles and 16 frogs, including a number of endangered species, following a search of two bags at Mexico City airport that were checked in for a flight to Japan’s Narita airport.

Photo shows turtles that were discovered in a suitcase at Mexico City airport on Feb. 21, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Mexico’s federal environmental protection agency)(Kyodo)

Among the confiscated creatures were 53 narrow-bridged musk turtles, which are subject to export restrictions under the Washington Convention or the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

According to the authorities, abnormal shaped objects were seen when the suitcases were X-rayed, with some of the creatures wrapped in socks.

The Mexican authorities plan to file a criminal complaint against the man who checked in the bags. His nationality has not been disclosed.

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