Photo: Getty Images
A man from East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was detained at Newark Liberty International Airport after attempting to smuggle a live turtle through security by hiding it in his pants. The incident occurred on Friday (March 7) when a body scanner alarm was triggered, prompting a TSA officer to conduct a pat-down. During the check, the man revealed a five-inch-long red-ear slider turtle wrapped in a small blue towel, concealed in his groin area.
According to CNN, the man was escorted from the checkpoint by Port Authority police and missed his flight. The turtle was confiscated, and it remains unclear whether the turtle was his pet or why he attempted to smuggle it. Thomas Carter, TSA's Federal Security Director for New Jersey, stated, "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."
As reported by ABC News, the TSA commended the officer who conducted the pat-down for their professionalism in resolving the alarm. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and local animal control officials were contacted, and the incident is under investigation. It is not yet clear if the man will face any charges or penalties.