Malaysian held over Indian Star tortoise smuggling

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs and the Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group held a Malaysian passenger from Bangkok, Thailand for trying to smuggle 50 live Indian Star tortoises at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on Friday.

An Indian Star tortoise is a threatened species native to India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

According to authorities, the Malaysian was held for possible violations to wildlife protection and customs laws, after failing to present the necessary permits for the tortoises.

Airport authorities turned over the land-dwelling tortoises to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for transfer to the Wildlife Rescue Center in Quezon City for proper care.

Charges for violations to the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act and Customs laws were prepared against the Malaysian.