NEWARK, N.J. (1010 WINS) — Transportation Security Administration agents at Newark Liberty International Airport stopped a Pennsylvania man from sneaking a turtle on a flight with him after discovering the reptile in his pants during a pat-down, officials announced Tuesday.
The security alarm went off on Friday, March 7 and indicated that a man was trying to pass through security with something concealed around his groin, which was confirmed during a TSA officer pat-down.
When asked if there was something hidden inside his pants, officials said that the East Stroudsburg man reached under his waistband and pulled out a live turtle wrapped in a small blue towel.
The turtle was estimated to be about 5-inches in length and the failed smuggler told agents that it was a red-ear slider turtle.
"We have seen travelers try to conceal knives and other weapons on their person, in their shoes and in their luggage, however I believe this is the first time we have come across someone who was concealing a live animal down the front of his pants," TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey Thomas Carter said. "As best as we could tell, the turtle was not harmed by the man’s actions."
Port Authority Police questioned the man and confiscated the turtle with intentions to contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and local animal control, TSA said.
The man missed his flight and was escorted out of the checkpoint by police.