Chilean Customs seizes baby turtles hidden in a shoe box, without water or food - Aduana News

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Inspectors from the National Customs Service seized two baby land turtles that were being transported by a Venezuelan citizen who entered Chile on foot through the surroundings of the Colchane border complex (Tarapacá Region).

The Institution reported this Friday (21.02.2025) that the detection of the animals occurred after the citizen was notified about her sanctioning process of expulsion and the corresponding notification record by the PDI. Subsequently, customs officials checked her luggage and found the two turtles hidden in a shoe box, without food or water.

Chilean authorities stressed the importance of respecting wildlife protection regulations and avoiding illegal trafficking of species, a practice that threatens biodiversity and animal welfare.

In this context, the Regional Director of the Iquique Customs, Cristian Molina, He explained that turtles belong to the species Chelonoidis carbonaria (red legs) and Chelonoidis denticulata (yellow legs), which mainly live in dry tropical forests.Once it was verified that they were turtles protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, they were immediately protected, and the Carabineros and the Public Prosecutor's Office were notified."He added.

The two turtles were handed over to the police via chain of custody and the woman was charged with the crime of smuggling.

Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.